Docking stations with hinged charging puck

ABSTRACT

Charging devices that can securely hold an electronic device in a useful position, fold into a compact shape, and provide power to the electronic device. One example can provide a wireless charger that can include a wireless charging assembly, a base, and a hinge connecting the wireless charging assembly to the base. When opened, the wireless charging assembly can be positioned upright relative to the base such that an electronic device being charged by the wireless charging assembly can be maintained in an upright position for easy viewing. The wireless charging assembly can be rotated, folded, or otherwise closed into a cavity or passage in the base, which can provide for easy transport. The hinge can be configured to readily open for use, while providing increased friction to resist closing. This increased friction can help the charger to securely hold the electronic device in place while charging.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/082,183, filed Sep. 23, 2020, which isincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices have become ubiquitous over the past several years.We take them wherever we go. An electronic device can be integral tosome of our actives, such as checking email, watching a video, orcatching up on news. An electronic device can also be a supplement tosome of our activities, such as when providing email updates or actingas a meeting reminder.

These electronic devices need to be charged periodically. Every sooften, a cable needs to be inserted into the electronic device, or theelectronic device needs to be put on a wireless charging pad or othersurface, in order to charge a battery internal to or otherwiseassociated with the electronic device.

It can also be desirable to continue to use the electronic device whileit is being charged. Accordingly, it can be desirable to providechargers that can hold an electronic device in a useful position whilethe charger charges the battery of the electronic device. That is, itcan be desirable that the charger hold the electronic device in anupright position such that a screen of the electronic device can be seenduring charging. This can allow an electronic device to be used forwatching videos, for viewing meeting reminders, and for other electronicdevice interactions during charging.

This charging can take place in various locations, for example, at work,in coffee shops, hotel rooms, and other locations. As a result, it canbe desirable to bring these chargers along. To facilitate this, it canbe desirable that the chargers fold up or otherwise close into a compactarrangement.

But electronic devices do have mass associated with them. It could beunfortunate if the weight of an electronic device caused a charger toinadvertently fold up or close while the electronic device was beingcharged. Accordingly, it can be desirable that a charger hold anelectronic device securely in place while charging.

Thus, what is needed are charging devices that can securely hold anelectronic device in a useful position, fold into a compact shape, andprovide charging power to the electronic device.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide chargingdevices that can securely hold an electronic device in a usefulposition, fold into a compact shape, and provide charging power to theelectronic device.

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide awireless charger for the wireless charging of an electronic device. Thewireless charger can include a wireless charging assembly, a base, and ahinge connecting the wireless charging assembly to the base. Thewireless charging assembly can wirelessly provide power to theelectronic device. When the wireless charger is open, the wirelesscharging assembly can be positioned upright relative to the base suchthat an electronic device being charged by the wireless chargingassembly can be maintained in an upright position for easy viewing. Whenthe wireless charger is closed, the wireless charging assembly can berotated, folded, or otherwise closed into a cavity or passage in thebase. The resulting compact form factor can provide for easy transport.The hinge can be configured to allow the wireless charger to readilyopen for use, but can provide increased friction to resist closing. Thisincreased friction can help the wireless charger to securely hold theelectronic device in an upright position while charging.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide awireless charger that includes a wireless charging assembly having ahousing that includes a cap over an enclosure. The cap can include ahigh-friction or high-stiction surface that can increase a shear forceneeded to remove an electronic device from the charger. The cap can beat least partially adhesive to increase a normal force necessary toremove the electronic device from the charger. The cap can be formed ofa rigid layer covered by a high-friction layer. For example, the cap canbe formed of a polycarbonate layer covered by a softer, silicone layer.The cap can be formed using a double-shot molding process. The enclosurecan be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, or other material. Theenclosure can be formed by computer-numerically controlled (CNC)machining, metal-injection-molding, stamping, forging, by using adeep-draw process, or other technique.

The wireless charging assembly can include one or more magnets that canmagnetically attract a corresponding one or more magnets in anelectronic device in order to hold the electronic device in place inagainst the cap of the wireless charging assembly. The wireless chargingassembly can include a magnet array that can magnetically attract acorresponding magnet array in an electronic device in order to hold theelectronic device in place in against the cap of the wireless chargingassembly. The magnet array can include a number of arcuate magneticsegments arranged in a circular, or partially circular configuration.The magnets can be fixed in position in the wireless charging assembly.This fixed position can be away from the cap in the enclosure to preventaccidental erasure of magnetic data, for example data on credit cards ortransit passes. The magnetic field can be increased as the electronicdevice is or is about to be attached to the wireless charger. Forexample, an electro-magnet can be used to increase the magnetic field.Also or instead, the one or more magnets or magnet array can movetowards the cap of the wireless charging assembly as the electronicdevice is or is about to be connected to the wireless charger. The useof an electro-magnet or moving one or more magnets or magnet array canimprove the wireless charger's capacity to securely hold the electronicdevice in place during charging while limiting stray magnetic flux whenan electronic device is not attached to the wireless charging assembly.

The wireless charging assembly can further include a coil and controlelectronics for charging a battery in or associated with an electronicdevice. The control electronics can receive power, for example from aconnector on the wireless charger, via a tethered cable that terminatesin the wireless charger, or from a battery or other power source in orassociated with the wireless charger. The control electronics can usethe received power to generate a current in the coil.

The control electronics can modulate the current in the coil in thewireless charging assembly to generate a time-varying magnetic field.This time-varying magnetic field can induce a current in a correspondingcoil in the electronic device. The current in the corresponding coil canbe used to charge a battery in or associated with the electronic device.Similarly, data can be sent from the wireless charger to the electronicdevice. The control electronics can modulate the current in the coil inthe wireless charging assembly to transmit data. This modulation can bein phase, frequency, amplitude, or other parameter or combinationthereof. The resulting modulated flux can induce currents in acorresponding coil in the electronic device, which the electronic devicecan read as data.

Data can similarly be transmitted from the electronic device to thewireless charger. The coil in the wireless charging assembly can receivea time-varying magnetic field generated by the corresponding coil in theelectronic device. This time-varying magnetic field can be a modulatedmagnetic field that can be used to convey data from the electronicdevice to the wireless charger. This modulation can be in phase,frequency, amplitude, or other parameter or combination thereof.

A ferrite shield can be included in the wireless charging assembly. Theshield can be located behind and partially around the coil to direct thetime-varying magnetic field and to improve coupling to the correspondingcoil. Additional ferritic material (a ferrite filler) can be shapedaround the control electronics to further direct the magnetic field andimprove shielding. An e-shield can be placed over the coil, between thecoil and the cap of the wireless charging assembly. The e-shield can beformed of a layer of copper or other conductive material to interceptelectric fields between the coil in the wireless charging assembly and acorresponding coil in the electronic device. The e-shield can have a lowmagnetic permeability to pass magnetic fields between the coil and thecorresponding coil. The e-shield can include breaks to prevent theformation of eddy currents.

The wireless charging assembly can further include identificationcomponents that an electronic device can use to determine that it isattached to a wireless charger. Once the wireless charger is identified,the electronic device can determine charging capabilities and otherinformation about the wireless charger. The identification componentscan be near-field communication circuits or components, for example, atag, a loop, and one or more capacitors.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide awireless charger that includes a base to support a wireless chargingassembly. The base can include a passage that the wireless chargingassembly can fold up or close into. The base can be formed of aluminum,stainless steel, or other material. The base can be formed by CNCmachining, metal-injection-molding, stamping, forging, by using adeep-draw process, or other technique. The base can rest on a foot thatcan be formed of plastic, silicone, or other non-marring material toprotect desks and other surfaces on which the wireless charger canreside.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide awireless charger that includes a hinge to attach a wireless chargingassembly to the base. The hinge can include a stem having a sleeve. Thesleeve can include a cylindrical opening at a first end and acylindrical opening at a second end. The sleeve can further include oneor more other openings for routing a wire internally from a connector,which can be located on the base, to the control electronics housed inthe wireless charging assembly. The stem can further include a joiningportion having a first end attached to the sleeve and a second endattached to the wireless charging assembly. The hinge can include afirst support block attached to the base and having a slot and a secondsupport block attached to the base and having a slot. A firstcylindrical shaft can have a first end inserted into the opening at thefirst end of the sleeve. A second end of the first shaft can besupported by the first support block. A second cylindrical shaft canhave a first end inserted into the opening at the second end of thesleeve. A second end of the second shaft can be supported by the secondsupport block. The hinge can further include a first clip having a loopportion around the first shaft and a tab attached to a first end of theloop portion, where the tab is in the slot in the first support block,and a second clip having a loop portion around the second shaft and atab attached to a first end of the loop portion, the tab in the slot inthe second support block.

The hinge can allow the wireless charging assembly to be movable betweendown position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed withinthe passage of the base and an up position in which the wirelesscharging assembly extends outside the base. As the wireless chargingassembly moves from the down position to the up position, the loopportion of the first clip can loosen around the first shaft and the loopportion of the second clip can loosen around the second shaft. This canhelp the wireless charger to easily open for use. Conversely, as thewireless charging assembly moves from the up position to the downposition, the loop portion of the first clip can tighten around thefirst shaft and the loop portion of the second clip can tighten aroundthe second shaft. This can help the wireless charger to stay open and tomore securely hold an electronic device in an upright position duringcharging.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can include otherfriction mechanisms in the hinge. For example, one or more wrappedsprings can be used where a first end of a wrapped spring can attach toa support block while the remaining portion can be wrapped around ashaft. The wrapped springs can tighten around the shaft when thewireless charging assembly moves from the up position to the downposition, thereby providing a resistance to the wireless charger closingand enabling the wireless charger to hold an electronic device in anupright position. The wrapped springs can loosen around the shaft whenthe wireless charging assembly moves from the down position to the upposition, thereby allowing the wireless charger to readily open.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can include otherfriction mechanisms in the hinge. For example, a hinge can include ashaft including a plurality of lengthwise slots. A plurality of bearingscan be positioned such that each bearing is located in one of the slotsin the shaft. Each bearing can be biased, for example by a spring. Asthe shaft rotates in a first direction, the bearings can be pushedagainst their springs allowing the shaft to rotate. This can allow awireless charger to easily open. As the shaft rotates in a seconddirection, the bearings can interfere with an inside surface of thesleeve of the stem, thereby increasing a resistance to rotation. Thiscan provide resistance to the wireless charger closing and can enablethe wireless charger to hold an electronic device in an uprightposition.

Portions of these hinges can be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, orother material. The hinges can be formed by CNC machining,metal-injection-molding, stamping, forging, by using a deep-drawprocess, or other technique.

These and other embodiments of the present invention can includefeatures that can help to ensure that a wireless charger properly closessuch that a top surface of a wireless charging assembly is properlyaligned with a top surface of a base. In one example, a stop can beattached to a sleeve of a stem in a hinge. Specifically, the wirelesscharger can be properly closed. The stop can be soldered, or spot orlaser-welded to the sleeve and against a surface of the base. In thisway, as the wireless charger is closed, the stop can bottom out againstthe base ensuring that the wireless charger is properly closed. In theseand other embodiments of the present invention, magnets, steps, andother features can be used to ensure that a wireless charger properlycloses.

Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or moreof these and the other features described herein. A better understandingof the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained byreference to the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a wireless charging assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a hinge according to an embodiment thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded diagram of a hinge according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates another hinge according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate another hinge according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of a wireless chargeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an underside view of a wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a portion of a wireless chargeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an underside view of a wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a connector insert that can be inserted into areceptacle in a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a hinge according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate the movement of the hinge of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 illustrates a hinge for use in the wireless charger of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B illustrate another wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B illustrate another wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates another wireless charger according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a hinge for the wireless charger of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 illustrates a portion of the wireless charger of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B illustrates another wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B illustrate a telescoping mechanism according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B illustrates another telescoping mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B illustrate a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B illustrate movements of portions of the wirelesscharger of FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B;

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 28A and FIG.28B;

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B illustrate a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B illustrate movements of portions of the wirelesscharger of FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 31A and FIG.31B;

FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B illustrate a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B further illustrate the wireless charger of FIG.34A;

FIG. 36 shows a simplified representation of a wireless charging systemincorporating a magnetic alignment system according to some embodiments;

FIG. 37A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment systemaccording to some embodiments, and FIG. 37B shows a cross-sectionthrough the magnetic alignment system of FIG. 37A;

FIG. 38A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment systemaccording to some embodiments, and FIG. 38B shows a cross-sectionthrough the magnetic alignment system of FIG. 38A;

FIG. 39 shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignmentcomponent according to some embodiments;

FIG. 40A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment systemaccording to some embodiments, and FIG. 40B shows an axial cross-sectionview through a portion of the system of FIG. 40A, while FIGS. 40Cthrough 40E show examples of arcuate magnets with radial magneticorientation according to some embodiments;

FIG. 41A and FIG. 41B show graphs of force profiles for differentmagnetic alignment systems, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 42 shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignmentcomponent according to some embodiments;

FIG. 43A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment systemaccording to some embodiments, and FIGS. 43B and 43C show axialcross-section views through different portions of the system of FIG.43A;

FIG. 44A shows a simplified top-down view of secondary alignmentcomponents according to various embodiments;

FIG. 45 shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignmentcomponent according to some embodiments;

FIG. 46A through FIG. 46C illustrate moving magnets according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 47A and 47B illustrate a moving magnetic structure according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 48A and 48B illustrate a moving magnetic structure according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 49 through FIG. 51 illustrate a moving magnetic structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 illustrates a normal force between a first magnet in a firstelectronic device and a second magnet in a second electronic device;

FIG. 53 illustrates a shear force between a first magnet in a firstelectronic device and a second magnet in a second electronic device;

FIG. 54 shows an exploded view of a wireless charger deviceincorporating an NFC tag circuit according to some embodiments;

FIG. 55 shows a partial cross-section view of a wireless charger deviceaccording to some embodiments; and

FIG. 56 shows a flow diagram of a process that can be implemented in aportable electronic device according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Wireless charger 100 can include a wireless chargingassembly 200, base 300, and hinge 400. Wireless charging assembly 200can include cap 210 and enclosure 220. Base 300 can include a passage320 defining interior sidewall 310. Wireless charging assembly 200 canbe attached to base 300 by hinge 400.

Wireless charging assembly 200 can rotate relative to base 300 alonghinge 400. Wireless charging assembly 200 can be in an up position asshown, where wireless charging assembly 200 is positioned outside ofbase 300. In this configuration, wireless charger 100 can be open.Wireless charging assembly 200 can move to a down or closed position, orwireless charging assembly 200 is positioned in passage 320 of base 300.In this configuration, wireless charger 100 can be closed.

An electronic device (not shown) can securely be held by wirelesscharger 100 at cap 210. Wireless charging assembly 200 can be tilted orrepositioned relative to base 300 such that a screen (not shown) of theelectronic device can be positioned at a proper angle for viewing. Forexample, wireless charging assembly 200 can be positioned 90 degreesrelative to base 300. Wireless charging assembly 200 can be positioned80-90 degrees relative to base 300. Wireless charging assembly 200 canbe positioned 70-85 degrees relative to base 300. Wireless chargingassembly 200 can be positioned at another angle or through a range ofangles relative to base 300.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 1. Wirelesscharger 100 can include wireless charging assembly 200. Wirelesscharging assembly 200 can include cap 210 and enclosure 220. Cap 210 canhave a high friction or high stiction surface to increase a shear forceneeded to remove an electronic device (not shown) from the surface ofcap 210. The surface of cap 210 can be at least partially adhesive inorder to increase a normal force needed to remove the electronic devicefrom the surface of cap 210.

Cap 210 can be formed of a rigid layer covered by a silicone layer. Cap210 can be formed using a double-shot injection molding process, where afirst shot molds a disk formed of polycarbonate or other material thatis then covered with a second shot of silicone or other material.Enclosure 220 can be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, or othermaterial. Enclosure 220 can be formed by metal injection molding,stamping, CNC machining, using a deep drawn process, forging, or othermanufacturing technique. Similar portions of the other wireless chargersshown here or otherwise provided by embodiments of the present inventioncan be formed in a same or similar manner and they can be formed of asame or similar material or materials.

Base 300 can include passage 320 defining interior sidewall 310. Base300 can be positioned on foot 390. Foot 390 can include a bottom layer330 that can be made out of a non-scuff or non-marring material, such assilicone, to protect desktops and other surfaces on which wirelesscharger 100 can reside. Foot 390 can further have non-slip properties tokeep wireless charger 100 from sliding during use. Foot 390 can includea second layer 340 formed of a more rigid material to secure bottomlayer 330 to base 300. Second layer 340 can include tabs 350 that canfit into slots (not shown) in a bottom side of base 300. Tabs 352 onsecond layer 340 can support hinge 400.

Base 300 and second layer 340 can be formed of aluminum, stainlesssteel, or other material. Base 300 and second layer 340 can be formed byCNC machining, metal-injection-molding, stamping, forging, by using adeep-draw process, or other technique. Second layer 340 can instead beformed of plastic, polycarbonate, or other material. Similar portions ofthe other wireless chargers shown here or otherwise provided byembodiments of the present invention can be formed in a same or similarmanner and they can be formed of a same or similar material ormaterials.

Hinge 400 can include support blocks 410 and stem 420. Stem 420 canterminate at first end 422. First end 422 of stem 420 can be attached towireless charging assembly 200. Support blocks 410 can be attached usingfasteners 412 to an underside of base 300. Covers 402 can be used toprotect hinge 400.

Portions of hinge 400 and the other hinges shown herein or otherwiseprovided by embodiments of the present invention can be formed ofaluminum, stainless steel, or other material. Hinge 400 and the otherhinges can be formed by CNC machining, metal-injection-molding,stamping, forging, by using a deep-draw process, or other technique.Similar portions of the other wireless chargers shown here or otherwiseprovided by embodiments of the present invention can be formed in a sameor similar manner and they can be formed of a same or similar materialor materials.

Cable 600 can terminate in connector insert 610, which can be insertedinto connector receptacle 510 in base 300. Connector receptacle 510 canbe attached to wire 500. Wire 500 can traverse base 300 and be attachedto components in wireless charging assembly 200. Examples of componentsthat can be used in wireless charging assembly 200 are shown in thefollowing figure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a wireless charging assembly according toan embodiment of the present invention. Wireless charging assembly 200can include cap 210 and enclosure 220. In some circumstances it can bedesirable for wireless charger 100 to simply hold an electronic device(not shown) securely in place. This can be true for example if a wiredcharging port on the electronic device is to be used in place ofwireless charging by wireless charger 100. Such a device, which can bereferred to as a stand instead of or as well as a wireless charger, caninclude magnet array 260. Magnet array 260 can include a number ofarcuate magnets 261, examples of which are shown beginning in FIG. 36below. Magnet array 260 can be supported by shield 262. Shield 262 canact as a backplate to direct magnetic field lines of the arcuate magnets261. One or more shims 264 can be used to improve the alignment of thearcuate magnets 261 and magnet array 260.

In other circumstances, it can be desirable for wireless charger 100 toprovide charging for the electronic device while holding the electronicdevice in place. Accordingly, wireless charging assembly 200 can furtherinclude coil 230 and board 270. Board 270 can include contacts 273,which can connect to leads 232 on coil 230. Coil 230 can be driven bycurrents generated by control circuitry 272 on board 270. That is,control circuitry 272 can receive power and generate modulated currentsin coil 230. The modulated currents in coil 230 can create a magneticfield that can be directed by shield 240. Shield 240 can improvecoupling of the magnetic field to a corresponding coil (not shown) inthe electronic device. The coupled magnetic field can be a time-varyingmagnetic field that can generate currents in the corresponding coil thatcan be used to charge a battery in or associated with the electronicdevice.

Control circuitry 272 can modulate currents provided to coil 230 inorder to transmit data from wireless charger 100. The modulation can bein phase, amplitude, frequency, or other parameter combination ofparameters. The data can be generated by wireless charger 100 itself, orit can be dated received over cable 600 (shown in FIG. 2) from anexternal device. Data can similarly be provided from the electronicdevice to wireless charger 100. Control circuitry 272 can furtherinclude circuitry to read data coupled onto coil 230 by the electronicdevice. This received data can be used by wireless charger 100 itself,or the data can be provided to an external device over cable 600.

In still other circumstances, it can be desirable for the electronicdevice to be able to determine that it is attached to wireless charger100. Accordingly, wireless charging assembly 200 can further includenear-field circuitry (NFC) coil 250. NFC coil 250 can include one ormore components 252, such as a radio-frequency (RF) tag, capacitors, orother circuits or components. The electronic device can provide amagnetic field that is modulated by NFC coil 250. This modulation can beused by the electronic device to identify wireless charger 100. Theidentity of wireless charger 100 can inform the electronic device as topower level and other capabilities of wireless charger 100.

Additional ferritic shielding 245 can be placed around board 270 tofurther improve the shielding of coil 230. Ferritic shielding 245 canalso shield control circuitry 272 on board 270.

Wireless charging assembly 200 can include some of all of thesecomponents. Wireless charging assembly can include additionalcomponents. For example, an e-shield (not shown) can be placed over coil230, between coil 230 and cap 210 of wireless charging assembly 200. Thee-shield can be formed of a layer of copper or other conductive materialto intercept electric fields between coil 230 in wireless chargingassembly 200 and a corresponding coil in the electronic device. Thee-shield can have a low magnetic permeability to pass magnetic fieldsbetween coil 230 and the corresponding coil. The e-shield can includebreaks to prevent the formation of eddy currents.

Attachment portion 222 can be soldered or spot or laser welded toenclosure 220 and first end 422 of stem 420 (shown in FIG. 2) to securewireless charging assembly 200 to hinge 400. Further details of hinge400 are shown in the following figures.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate a hinge according to an embodiment thepresent invention. Hinge 400 can allow wireless charging assembly 200(shown in FIG. 2) to move between an up position, where wirelesscharging assembly 200 is outside of base 300 (shown in FIG. 2), and adown position, where wireless charging assembly 200 is housed in base300. To more securely hold an electronic device (not shown) in place, itcan be desirable that hinge 400 provide friction or resistance towireless charging assembly 200 moving to the down position. This canprevent the weight of the electronic device from inadvertently closingwireless charger 100. It can also be desirable to allow a user toreadily move wireless charging assembly 200 to the up position where itcan be mated with the electronic device. Accordingly, embodiments of thepresent invention can provide a hinge 400 having an asymmetric frictionratio, where the friction incurred in moving wireless charging assembly200 to the down position is higher than the friction incurred in movingwireless charging assembly 200 to the up position.

Hinge 400 can include support blocks 410 supporting stem 420. Supportblocks 410 can be fastened to base 300 as shown in FIG. 2. Stem 420 canterminate at first end 422 and can include sleeve 430. Sleeve 430 cansupport shafts 440 (shown in FIG. 5.) Shafts 440 can support frictionclips, such as friction clips 450.

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a friction clip 450. Friction clips450 can be formed of one clip, or several clips placed in parallel. Forexample, 15, 10, 20, or other numbers of clips can be placed inparallel. Friction clip 450 can include a loop portion 452 placed aroundshaft 440, where loop portion 452 includes an end terminating in tab454. Tab 454 can be fit into a slot 414 (shown in FIG. 5) of supportblocks 410. As wireless charging assembly 200 moves to the up position,shaft 440 can rotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown. Thisaction can act to loosen loop portion 452 from shaft 440, therebyallowing wireless charging assembly 200 to readily move to the upposition. When wireless charging assembly 200 is moved to the downposition, shaft 440 can rotate in a clockwise direction as drawn. Thiscan act to tighten loop portion 452 around shaft 440, thereby increasinga resistance to the downward motion of wireless charging assembly 200.Further details of hinge 400 are shown in the following figure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded diagram of a hinge according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. Hinge 400 can include support blocks 410. Supportblocks 410 can be attached to base 300 (shown in FIG. 2) using fasteners412. Support blocks 410 can include slots 414 for accepting tabs 454 onfriction clips 450. Stem 420 can include a U-shaped portion 424terminating in first end 422, where first end 422 can be soldered orotherwise attached to wireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2.)Stem 420 can further include sleeve 430 having a cylindrical opening 432at a first end and a cylindrical opening 434 at a second end. Shafts 440can be inserted into cylindrical opening 432 and cylindrical opening434. Shafts 440 can be fixed to sleeve 430 by welding, soldering, orother step. Washers 470 and end caps 480 can also be inserted on shafts440. Wire 500 (shown in FIG. 3) can be routed through sleeve 430 andchannel 426 in stem 420 to wireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG.2.) Wire 500 can be protected and hidden from view by cover 428.

It can be desirable for wireless charging assembly 200 to have a topsurface that is level with a top surface of base 300 when wirelesscharging assembly 200 is in the down position. That is, it can bedesirable for wireless charging assembly 200 to properly align with base300 when wireless charger 100 is closed. Accordingly, stop 490 can beused. Stop 490 can be soldered or spot or laser welded to sleeve 430.For example, during assembly, wireless charging assembly 200 can beproperly aligned with base 300. Stop 490 can be positioned such thatsurface 492 of stop 490 is on sleeve 430 and surface 494 of stop 490 isflush against an inside surface of base 300. Once positioned in thisway, stop 490 can be attached to sleeve 430 by soldering, spot or laserwelding, or other technique. In this configuration, stop 490 canconsistently position wireless charging assembly 200 properly in base300 when wireless charging assembly 200 is in the down position andwireless charger 100 is closed.

FIG. 6 illustrates another hinge according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this example, wrapped spring 620 can be wrappedaround a portion of shaft 440. Wrapped spring 460 can include a firstend 622 attached to support block 410. As before, when wireless chargingassembly 200 is moved to the up position, stem 420 can rotate upwards.This can act to loosen wrapped spring 620 from around shaft 440, therebymaking it easier to move wireless charging assembly 200 to the upposition. As wireless charging assembly 200 is moved to the downposition, stem 420 can rotate downwards, which can act to tightenwrapped spring 620 around shaft 440, thereby increasing a resistance tothis movement. Wrapped spring 620 can encircle shaft 440 various numbersof times in various embodiments of the present invention. Wrapped spring620 can taper towards a second end away from first end 622.

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate another hinge according to an embodimentof the present invention. In this example, shaft 740 can include anumber of slots 742. Bearings 744 can be placed in slots 742. Bearings744 can be spherical, cylindrical, or they can have another shape.Bearings 744 can be biased. For example, they can be biased by springs746. A first end of shaft 740, bearings 744, and springs 746 can beinserted in boot 750, while a second end of shaft 740 can be insertedinto and attached to sleeve 430, for example by soldering, laser or spotwelding, or other technique. As wireless charging assembly 200 is movedto the up position, stem 420 can rotate upward and shaft 740 can rotatecounter-clockwise as shown in FIG. 7B. This rotation can drive bearings744 further back in their slots 742 against springs 746, therebyallowing wireless charging assembly 200 to move with only limitedresistance. As wireless charging assembly 200 is moved to the downposition, stem 420 can rotate downward and shaft 740 can rotateclockwise as shown in FIG. 7B. This rotation can push bearings into theinside surface of boot 750, thereby increasing the resistance of thedownward motion of wireless charging assembly 200.

The hinges shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 can include structures such asstop 490 for hinge 400, as shown in FIG. 5. Again, stop 490 can help toensure that wireless charging assembly 200 is aligned with base 300 whenwireless charging assembly 200 is in the down position. These and otherembodiments of the present invention can provide other alignmentfeatures to ensure that wireless charging assembly 200 is properlyaligned with base 300 when wireless charging assembly 200 is in the downposition and wireless charger 100 is closed. Examples are shown in thefollowing figures.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of a wireless chargeraccording to an embodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger100 can include wireless charging assembly 200 and base 300. Magnet 201can be located in wireless charging assembly 200, while magnet 301 canbe located in base 300. As shown, the north end of magnet 201 can beattracted to the south end of magnet 301. In this way, the magneticfields generated by magnet 201 and magnet 301 can help to ensure thatwireless charging assembly 200 is properly aligned with base 300 whenwireless charging assembly 200 is in the down position. That is, themagnet attraction between magnet 201 and magnet 301 can help to aligntop surface 204 of wireless charging assembly 200 to top surface 304 ofbase 300 such that top surface 204 is parallel to top surface 304 whenwireless charging assembly 200 is in the down position and wirelesscharger 100 is closed.

FIG. 9 illustrates an underside view of a wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention. Wireless charging assembly 200can be attached to base 300 by hinge 400 to form wireless charger 100.Wireless charging assembly 200 can include magnets 201 that can alignwith magnets 301 in base 300. Magnets 301 can be covered by foot 390.The polarities of each of the magnets 201 and each of the magnets 301can alternate to increase magnetic fields. For example, magnet 201 inwireless charging assembly 200 can have an opposite polarity as adjacentmagnet 202 in wireless charging assembly 200. Similarly, magnet 301 inbase 300 can have an opposite polarity as adjacent magnet 302 in base300. Magnet 201 and magnet 202, and the other corresponding magnets, canbe positioned away from hinge 400. Magnets can also be omitted toprovide space for connector receptacle 510. Cable 600 can includeconnector insert 610, which can be inserted into connector receptacle510.

FIG. 10 illustrates a portion of a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 100 can includewireless charging assembly 200 and base 300. Base 300 can include step305. Step 305 can house magnet 301. The south pole of magnet 301 can beattracted to the north pole of magnet 201 in wireless charging assembly200, thereby helping to keep wireless charging assembly 200 properlyclosed when wireless charging assembly 200 is in the down position. Thatis, the magnet attraction between magnet 201 and magnet 301 can help toalign top surface 204 of wireless charging assembly 200 to top surface304 of base 300 such that top surface 304 is parallel to top surface 304when wireless charging assembly 200 is in the down position and wirelesscharger 100 is closed.

FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Wireless charger 100 can include wireless chargingassembly 200 and base 300 attached by hinge 400. Magnet 201 and magnet202 can be located in wireless charging assembly 200, while magnet 301and magnet 302 can be housed in base 300. The polarities of magnets 201and 301 can alternate to increase magnetic fields. For example, magnet201 in wireless charging assembly 200 can have an opposite polarity asmagnet 202 in wireless charging assembly 200. Similarly, magnet 301 inbase 300 can have an opposite polarity as magnet 302 in base 300. Magnet201 and magnet 202, and the other corresponding magnets, can bepositioned away from hinge 400. Magnet 301 can be partially locatedunder magnet 201, thereby helping to save space in base 300. This savedspace can allow the use of magnets near connector receptacle 510. Cable600 can include connector insert 610, which can be inserted intoconnector receptacle 510.

FIG. 12 illustrates a connector insert that can be inserted into areceptacle in a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Connector insert 610 can be formed at an end of cable600. Connector insert 610 can include strain relief 602, molded portion630, and boot 640. Boot 640 can house EMI shield 650. EMI shield 650 canhouse board 660 which can include contacts (not shown) housed in shield690. Connector receptacle 510 can include EMI plates 570, which canfurther improve shielding of a connection between connector insert 610and connector receptacle 510. Front plate 580 can be located at anopening (not shown) in base 300 (shown in FIG. 2) for connectorreceptacle 510.

In the above examples, hinge 400 can rotate about shaft 440. Shaft 440can be located in base 300. As a result, wireless charging assembly 200has limited clearance over base 300. But in some circumstances, it canbe desirable to increase this clearance. Increasing this clearance canallow wireless charging assembly 200 to mate with an electronic device(not shown) while the electronic device is in a portrait orientation.Accordingly, it can be desirable for a hinge to rotate about a centerthat is outside of a base. An example is shown in the following figures.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hinge according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Hinge 1400 can slide in passage 1430 in base 1300. Hinge 1400 caninclude two sliders. Specifically, hinge 1400 can include a fixed orstatic slider 1410 and a moving slider 1420. Hinge 1400 can rotateupwards until moving slider 1420 engages static slider 1410. Hinge 1400can rotate downwards until moving slider 1420 reaches an end of passage1430. In this example, hinge 1400 rotates about a point that is outsideof base 1300. This can increase a clearance between base 1300 and awireless charging assembly 1200 (shown in FIG. 14B) attached to hinge1400. Increasing this clearance can allow an electronic device (notshown) to attach to wireless charging assembly 1200 in a portrait mode.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B illustrate the movement of the hinge of FIG. 13.In FIG. 14A, hinge 1400 can include static slider 1410 and moving slider1420 housed in base 1300. Hinge 1400 can be attached to wirelesscharging assembly 1200. Wireless charging assembly 1200 can be in a downposition in this configuration.

In FIG. 14B, hinge 1400 can move through passage 1430 until movingslider 1420 engages static slider 1410. This can move wireless chargingassembly 1200 up and away from base 1300. This clearance can besufficient to allow an electronic device (not shown) to attach towireless charging assembly 1200 in a portrait mode.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, wirelesschargers having other types of wireless charging assemblies, hinges, andbases can be implemented. These various wireless chargers can havedifferent form factors, different appearances when closed, differentappearances when open, as well as different functionalities. Examplesare shown in the following figures.

FIG. 15 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this example, wireless charger 1500 can include awireless charging assembly 1520, base 1530, and hinge 1540. Hinge 1540can fold into the base 1530 such that wireless charging assembly 1520can reside on a top of base 1530. This can provide a compact arrangementfor transport. Further details of this wireless charger are shown in thefollowing figures. Wireless charging assembly 1520 can the same orsimilar to wireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and theother wireless charging assemblies shown herein.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 15. In thisexample, wireless charger 1500 can include a wireless charging assembly1520 having a top enclosure 1522 and the bottom enclosure 1524. Topenclosure 1522 and bottom enclosure 1524 can form an enclosure similarto the enclosure for wireless charger 100. Wireless charging assembly1520 can house a magnet array, coil, ferrite, and other components asshown in the other examples herein. Hinge 1540 can connect wirelesscharging assembly 1520 to base 1530. Covers 1561 can cover edges ofhinge 1540. Base 1530 can include recess 1532 into which hinge 1540 canbe folded to provide a compact arrangement for wireless charger 1500when it is in the closed configuration. Further details of hinge 1540are shown in the following figure.

FIG. 17 illustrates a hinge for use in the wireless charger of FIG. 15.Hinge 1540 can be attached to a bottom of recess 1532 in base 1530(shown in FIG. 16) using bottom anchor 1534. Hinge 1540 can be attachedto a back side of bottom enclosure 1524 (shown in FIG. 16 using topanchor 1526. Hinge 1540 can include mounts 1541 and 1548 as well ashousing 1544. Shafts 1543 can attach mount 1541 to housing 1544 andshafts 1545 can attach mount 1548 to housing 1544. Specifically, ribbedportions 1547 of shafts 1543 and shafts 1545 can be inserted into andform an interference fit with opening 1537 in bottom anchor 1534 andopening 1527 in top anchor 1526. Pins 1550 in housing 1544 can be fit inopenings 1549 in mounts 1541 and 1548. Friction clips 1542 can be placedaround shafts 1543. Tabs 1552 can be fit into slots 1551 in mount 1541.Friction clips 1542 can increase a resistance to a movement of wirelesscharging assembly 1520 (shown in FIG. 15) to a down position relative toa resistance to a movement of wireless charging assembly 1520 to an upposition. Friction clips can be the same or similar to friction clips450 (shown in FIG. 4.) Shafts 1545 can further include stops 1546 thatcan limit a movement of hinge 1540. Covers 1561 (shown in FIG. 16) cancover openings 1549 in mounts 1548 and 1541.

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B illustrate another wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 1800 can foldto a compact shape as shown in FIG. 18A. Wireless charger 1800 caninclude a wireless charging assembly 1820 supported by top piece 1822.Wireless charging assembly 1820 can the same or similar to wirelesscharging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other wireless chargingassemblies shown herein. Hinge 1840 can connect top piece 1822 and base1830. Top piece 1822, hinge 1840, and base 1830 can be formed of metalplates that are forced together and have an interference fit. Theseplates can be covered with soft goods such as a fabric, leather, orother natural or manufactured material. Power can be provided towireless charging assembly 1820 via cable 1860.

FIGS. 19A and FIG. 19B illustrate another wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 1900 can againfold into a very compact shape. Wireless charger 1900 can include base1930 and wireless charging assembly 1920 supported by top piece 1922.Top piece 1922 and base 1930 can be joined by hinge 1940. Hinge 1940 canbe joined to top piece 1922 through rod 1942 and to base 1930 throughrod 1944. Power can be provided to wireless charging assembly 1920 viacable 1960. Wireless charging assembly 1920 can the same or similar towireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other wirelesscharging assemblies shown herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates another wireless charger according to an embodimentof the present invention. In this example, wireless charger 2000 can beput on be formed from stamped and bent stainless steel or othermaterial. Wireless charger 2000 can include wireless charging assembly2020 and base 2030 joined by hinge portion 2040. Wireless chargingassembly 2020 can the same or similar to wireless charging assembly 200(shown in FIG. 2) and the other wireless charging assemblies shownherein.

In these examples, wireless chargers tend to have a squared off base anda linear hinge. It can also be desirable to have different shaped basesfor various functional and aesthetic reasons. For example, it can bedesirable to have a thin circular base. However, it can be difficult toimplement a hinge on such a base. An example is shown in the followingfigures.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 2100 can includewireless charging assembly 2120, base 2130 supported by foot 2138, andhinge 2140 joining base 2130 to wireless charging assembly 2120.

Wireless charging assembly 2120 can be the same or similar to wirelesscharging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other wireless chargingassemblies shown herein. In this example, wireless charging assembly2120 can include an elastomer ring 2122, a glass or plastic center 2124,top housing 2125, magnet array 2126, and bottom housing 2128. Chargingcoils, and NFC circuits, and other components can be included as welland are not shown for clarity. Base 2130 can be a narrow ring supportedby a foot 2138 formed by silicone layer 2139 and support layer 2137.Further details of hinge 2140 and associated structures are shown in thefollowing figure.

FIG. 22 illustrates a hinge for the wireless charger of FIG. 21. Hinge2140 can be a rod formed of nitinol (an alloy of nickel and titanium.)Nitinol has the property that it can bend while being able to return toits original shape. This can allow stem 2142 to be attached to hinge2140 and move relative to base 2130, even though hinge 2140 is curved tomatch a portion of the circumference of base 2130. Hinge 2140 can beprotected by silicone pad 2210 and held in place by compression block2220 and support block 2250. Silicone pad 2210 can allow hinge 2140 torotate with limited wear from compression block 2220. Fasteners 2230 andfasteners 2240 can hold compression block 2220 and support block 2250 inplace.

FIG. 23 illustrates a portion of the wireless charger of FIG. 21. Inthis example, a portion of base 2130 can include a groove 2131. Groove2131 can be used to house a nitinol shaft utilized as hinge 2140 asshown in FIG. 22.

Again, in some circumstances it can be desirable to increase a clearancebetween a wireless charging assembly and a base of a wireless charger.This can allow the wireless charger to hold an electronic device in theportrait position, amongst other possible benefits. Examples are shownin the following figures.

FIG. 24 illustrates a wireless charger according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. In this example, wireless charging assembly 2420 ofwireless charger 2400 can attach to base 2430 through hinge 2440. Hinge2440 can include a telescoping portion 2442 that can be extended toincrease a height of wireless charging assembly 2420 relative to base2430. Wireless charging assembly 2420 can the same or similar towireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other wirelesscharging assemblies shown herein.

FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B illustrates another wireless charger according toan embodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 2500 caninclude base 2530 and wireless charging assembly 2520. Wireless chargingassembly 2520 can telescope through two positions, shown as 2520A and2520B. Wireless charging assembly 2520 can be attached to base 2530 viahinge 2540. Examples of how this telescoping can operate are shown inthe following figures.

FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B illustrate a telescoping mechanism according to anembodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 2500 can includewireless charging assembly 2520. Wireless charging assembly 2520 can thesame or similar to wireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) andthe other wireless charging assemblies shown herein. Wireless chargingassembly 2520 can move along hinge 2540 from a down position showed inFIG. 26A to an up position shown in FIG. 26B. This telescoping mechanismcan include a rack and pinion including rack 2544, which can be locatedon a backside of wireless charging assembly 2520. The telescopingmechanism can further include a pinion including axel 2542 and gears2546. Axel 2542 and gears 2546 can be located on hinge 2540, which canjoin wireless charging assembly 2520 to base 2530. Rack 2544 and thepinion including axel 2542 gears 2546 can be formed by electricaldischarge machining (EDM) or other procedure. As wireless chargingassembly 2520 is moved, axel 2542 can rotate, and gears 2546 can meshwith gears on rack 2544.

FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B illustrates another telescoping mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example,wireless charger 2500 can include arms 2742 that can be used to positionwireless charging assembly 2520 relative to hinge 2540. Wirelesscharging assembly 2520 can move from a down position as shown in FIG.27A to an up position as shown in FIG. 27B. As this movement occurs,intersection 2743 of arms 2742 can travel in slot 2746. Slot 2746 cankeep wireless charging assembly 2520 aligned with hinge 2540 through itstravel. Slots 2744 can allow arms 2742 to flatten and reverse directionthroughout the movement of wireless charging assembly 2520.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can bedesirable to raise and lower a wireless charging assembly of a wirelesscharger relative to its base. It may also be desirable to be able to thetilt a wireless charging assembly. It can also be desirable that thewireless charger fold to a compact shape for transport. Examples areshown in the following figures.

FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B illustrate a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 2800 can includewireless charging assembly 2820 and base 2830. Wireless chargingassembly 2820 and base and 2830 can be joined by hinge 2840.

Wireless charging assembly 2820 can the same or similar to wirelesscharging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other wireless chargingassemblies shown herein.

FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B illustrate movements of portions of the wirelesscharger of FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B. Hinge 2840 can move relative to base2830 as shown in FIG. 29A. This can change a clearance of wirelesscharging assembly 2820 relative to base 2830. Wireless charging assembly2820 can further tilt relative to hinge 2840 through a range of motionas shown in FIG. 29B.

FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 28A and FIG.28B. Wireless charger 2800 can include wireless charging assembly 2820,which can be the same or similar to wireless charging assembly 200(shown in FIG. 2.) Wireless charging assembly 22820 can include frictionpad 2821, which may be formed of silicone or other material, attached toa front of plastic cap 2822. Plastic cap 2822 can be attached to supportplate 2828 to form an enclosure for magnet array 2824, DC shield 2827,and coil and ferrite 2826.

Hinge 2840 can be attached to a back surface of support plate 2828 byattachment lugs and fasteners 2842. Wireless charging assembly 2820 canrotate about hinge 2840 at upper shaft 2844. Hinge 2840 can rotate aboutbase 2830 at lower shaft 2834, which can be held in place by cowling andfasteners 2832. Friction screws 2845 can be used to adjust theresistance of movement of wireless charging assembly 2820 relative tohinge 2840. Friction screws 2846 can be used to adjust the resistancemovement of hinge 2840 relative to base 2830. Pressure to upper shaft2844 and lower shaft 2834 can be adjusted by turning friction screws2845 and friction screws 2846 respectively.

FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B illustrate a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 3100 can fold intoa compact shape as shown in FIG. 31A. Wireless charger 3100 can includewireless charging assembly 3120 and base 3130 joined by hinge 3140.Wireless charging assembly 3120 can the same or similar to wirelesscharging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) and the other wireless chargingassemblies shown herein.

FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B illustrate movements of portions of the wirelesscharger of FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B. Wireless charging assembly 3120 cantilt relative to hinge 3140 through a range of motion as shown in FIG.32A. Hinge 3140 can move relative to base 3130 as shown in FIG. 32B.This can change a clearance of wireless charging assembly 3120 relativeto base 3130.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the wireless charger of FIG. 31A and FIG.31B. Wireless charging assembly 3120 of wireless charger 3100 caninclude friction pad 3122, which can be formed of silicone or othermaterial, attached to a front of plastic cap 3123. Plastic cap 3123 canbe attached to support plate 3128 to form an enclosure for magnet array3124, DC shield 3127, and coil and ferrite 3126.

Hinge 3140 can be attached to a back surface of support plate 3128 byattachment lug 3144. Wireless charging assembly 3120 and attachment lug3144 can tilt relative to bracket 3145 as shown by the movement in FIG.32A. Bracket 3145 can rotate about hinge 3140 at upper shafts 3143.Hinge 3140 can rotate about base 3130 at lower shafts 3142, which can besecured in base 3130. This movement can be seen in FIG. 32B. Base 3130can reside on silicone or other pad 3139. Spring 3141 can providetension for hinge 3140.

FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B illustrate a wireless charger according to anembodiment of the present invention. Wireless charger 3400 can fold intoa compact shape as shown in FIG. 34A. Wireless charger 3400 can includewireless charging assembly 3420 and base 3430, which can be connectedtogether through hinge 3440. Wireless charging assembly 3420 can thesame or similar to wireless charging assembly 200 (shown in FIG. 2) andthe other wireless charging assemblies shown herein.

FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B illustrate the wireless charger of FIG. 34A andFIG. 34B. Wireless charger 3400 can include wireless charging assembly3420 and base 3430, which can be connected together through hinge 3440.

Again, the various magnet arrays shown herein can be fixed in place, orthey can be movable between a first position and a second position.Examples of fixed magnet arrays that can be used for these magnet arraysare shown in the following figures.

Described herein are various embodiments of magnetic alignment systemsand components thereof. A magnetic alignment system can include annularalignment components comprising a ring of magnets having a particularmagnetic orientation or pattern of magnetic orientations such that a“primary” annular alignment component can attract and hold acomplementary “secondary” annular alignment component. In someembodiments described below, the primary annular alignment component isassumed to be in a wireless charging device, surrounding an inductivecharging coil, while the secondary annular alignment component isassumed to be in a portable electronic device, surrounding a receivercoil that can receive power from the inductive charging coil of thewireless charging device. Many variations are possible; for instance, a“primary” annular alignment component can be in a portable electronicdevice while a “secondary” annular alignment component can be in awireless charging device. Also described herein is an “auxiliary”annular alignment component that is complementary to the primary andsecondary annular alignment components such that one surface of theauxiliary annular alignment component is attracted to the primaryalignment component while the opposite surface is attracted to thesecondary alignment component. An auxiliary annular alignment componentcan be disposed, e.g., in a case for a portable electronic device.

In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include arotational alignment component that facilitates aligning two devices ina preferred rotational orientation. It should be understood that anydevice that has an annular alignment component might or might not alsohave a rotational alignment component.

In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include annear-field communication (NFC) coil and supporting circuitry to allowdevices to identify themselves to each other using an NFC protocol. NFCcoils can be disposed inboard of the annular alignment component oroutboard of the annular alignment component. It should be understoodthat an NFC component is optional in the context of providing magneticalignment.

FIG. 36 shows a simplified representation of a wireless charging system3600 incorporating a magnetic alignment system 3606 according to someembodiments. A portable electronic device 3604 is positioned on acharging surface 3608 of a wireless charging device 3602. Portableelectronic device 3604 can be a consumer electronic device, such as asmart phone, tablet, wearable device, or the like, or any otherelectronic device for which wireless charging is desired. Wirelesscharging device 3602 can be any device that is configured to generatetime-varying magnetic flux to induce a current in a suitably configuredreceiving device. For instance, wireless charging device 3602 can be anyof the wireless chargers herein, a wireless charging mat, puck, dockingstation, or the like. Wireless charging device 3602 can include or haveaccess to a power source such as battery power or standard AC power.

To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device 3604 andwireless charging device 3602 can include inductive coils 3610 and 3612,respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. Forexample, inductive coil 3612 can be a transmitter coil that generates atime-varying magnetic flux 3614, and inductive coil 3610 can be areceiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response totime-varying magnetic flux 3614. The received electric current can beused to charge a battery of portable electronic device 3604, to provideoperating power to a component of portable electronic device 3604,and/or for other purposes as desired. (“Wireless power transfer” and“inductive power transfer,” as used herein, refer generally to theprocess of generating a time-varying magnetic field in a conductive coilof a first device that induces an electric current in a conductive coilof a second device.)

To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to aligninductive coils 3612 and 3610. According to some embodiments, magneticalignment system 3606 can provide such alignment. In the example shownin FIG. 36, magnetic alignment system 3606 includes a primary magneticalignment component 3616 disposed within or on a surface of wirelesscharging device 3602 and a secondary magnetic alignment component 3618disposed within or on a surface of portable electronic device 3604.Primary alignment components 3616 and secondary alignment components3618 are configured to magnetically attract one another into an alignedposition in which inductive coils 3610 and 3612 are aligned with oneanother to effectuate wireless power transfer.

Primary alignment components 3616 can be sued as magnet array 260 (shownin FIG. 2) or as any of the other magnet arrays shown herein orotherwise provided by embodiments of the present invention.

According to embodiments described herein, a magnetic alignmentcomponent (including a primary or secondary alignment component) of amagnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged inan annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have itsmagnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magneticattraction between the primary and secondary magnetic alignmentcomponents provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuatemagnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarityoriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magneticpolarity oriented in a second direction different from (e.g., oppositeto) the first direction. As will be described, different configurationscan provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.

FIG. 37A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system 3700according to some embodiments, and FIG. 37B shows a cross-sectionthrough magnetic alignment system 3700 across the cut plane indicated inFIG. 37A. Magnetic alignment system 3700 can be an implementation ofmagnetic alignment system 3606 of FIG. 36. In magnetic alignment system3700, the alignment components all have magnetic polarity oriented inthe same direction (along the axis of the annular configuration). Forconvenience of description, an “axial” direction (also referred to as a“longitudinal” or “z” direction) is defined to be parallel to an axis ofrotational symmetry 3701 of magnetic alignment system 3700, and atransverse plane (also referred to as a “lateral” or “x” or “y”direction) is defined to be normal to axis 3701. The term “proximalside” is used herein to refer to a side of one alignment component thatis oriented toward the other alignment component when the magneticalignment system is aligned, and the term “distal side” is used to referto a side opposite the proximal side.

As shown in FIG. 37A, magnetic alignment system 3700 can include aprimary alignment component 3716 (which can be an implementation ofprimary alignment component 3616 of FIG. 36) and a secondary alignmentcomponent 3718 (which can be an implementation of secondary alignmentcomponent 3618 of FIG. 36). Primary alignment component 3716 andsecondary alignment component 3718 have annular shapes and may also bereferred to as “annular” alignment components. The particular dimensionscan be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignmentcomponent 3716 and secondary alignment component 3718 can each have anouter diameter of about 404 mm and a radial width of about 6 mm. Theouter diameters and radial widths of primary alignment component 3716and secondary alignment component 3718 need not be exactly equal. Forinstance, the radial width of secondary alignment component 3718 can beslightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component 3716and/or the outer diameter of secondary alignment component 3718 can alsobe slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component3716 so that, when in alignment, the inner and outer sides of primaryalignment component 3716 extend beyond the corresponding inner and outersides of secondary alignment component 3718. Thicknesses (or axialdimensions) of primary alignment component 3716 and secondary alignmentcomponent 3718 can also be chosen as desired. In some embodiments,primary alignment component 3716 has a thickness of about 1.5 mm whilesecondary alignment component 3718 has a thickness of about 0.37 mm.

Primary alignment component 3716 can include a number of sectors, eachof which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets 3726, andsecondary alignment component 3718 can include a number of sectors, eachof which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets 3728. Inthe example shown, the number of primary magnets 3726 is equal to thenumber of secondary magnets 3728, and each sector includes exactly onemagnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 3726 and secondarymagnets 3728 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse planesuch that when primary magnets 3726 (or secondary magnets 3728) arepositioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 3726 (orsecondary magnets 3728) form an annular structure as shown. In someembodiments, primary magnets 3726 can be in contact with each other atinterfaces 3730, and secondary magnets 3728 can be in contact with eachother at interfaces 3732. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces mayseparate adjacent primary magnets 3726 or secondary magnets 3728,providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, primary alignment component 3716 can also includean annular shield 3714 disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets3726. In some embodiments, shield 3714 can be formed as a single annularpiece of material and adhered to primary magnets 3726 to secure primarymagnets 3726 into position. Shield 3714 can be formed of a material thathas high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and canredirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond thedistal side of primary alignment component 3716, thereby protectingsensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side ofprimary alignment component 3716 from magnetic interference.

Primary magnets 3726 and secondary magnets 3728 can be made of amagnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magneticmaterials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create apersistent magnetic field. Each primary magnet 3726 and each secondarymagnet 3728 can have a monolithic structure having a single magneticregion with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shownby magnetic polarity indicators 3715, 3717 in FIG. 37B. For example,each primary magnet 3726 and each secondary magnet 3728 can be a barmagnet that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure havingan axial magnetic orientation. (As will be apparent, the term “magneticorientation” refers to the direction of orientation of the magneticpolarity of a magnet.) In the example shown, primary magnet 3726 has itsnorth pole oriented toward the proximal surface and south pole orientedtoward the distal surface while secondary magnet 3728 has its south poleoriented toward the proximal surface and north pole oriented toward thedistal surface. In other embodiments, the magnetic orientations can bereversed such that primary magnet 3726 has its south pole orientedtoward the proximal surface and north pole oriented toward the distalsurface while secondary magnet 3728 has its north pole oriented towardthe proximal surface and south pole oriented toward the distal surface.

As shown in FIG. 37B, the axial magnetic orientation of primary magnet3726 and secondary magnet 3728 can generate magnetic fields 3740 thatgenerate an attractive force between primary magnet 3726 and secondarymagnet 3728, thereby facilitating alignment between respectiveelectronic devices in which primary alignment component 3716 andsecondary alignment component 3718 are disposed (e.g., as shown in FIG.36). While shield 3714 can redirect some of magnetic fields 3740 awayfrom regions below primary magnet 3726, magnetic fields 3740 may stillpropagate to regions laterally adjacent to primary magnet 3726 andsecondary magnet 3728. In some embodiments, the lateral propagation ofmagnetic fields 3740 may result in magnetic field leakage to othermagnetically sensitive components. For instance, if an inductive coilhaving a ferromagnetic shield is placed in the interior region ofannular primary alignment component 3716 (or secondary alignmentcomponent 3718), leakage of magnetic fields may 3740 may saturate theferrimagnetic shield, which can degrade wireless charging performance.

It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 3700 isillustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. Forinstance, while primary alignment component 3716 and secondary alignmentcomponent 3718 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuatemagnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, suchas sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets,and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number ofsecondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component3716 and/or secondary alignment component 3718 can each be formed of asingle, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting magneticalignment components 3716 and 3718 into arcuate magnets may improvemanufacturing because smaller arcuate segments are less brittle than asingle, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss dueto physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material duringmanufacturing.

As noted above with reference to FIG. 37B, a magnetic alignment systemwith a single axial magnetic orientation may allow lateral leakage ofmagnetic fields, which may adversely affect performance of othercomponents of an electronic device. Accordingly, some embodimentsprovide magnetic alignment systems with reduced magnetic field leakage.Examples will now be described.

FIG. 38A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system 3800according to some embodiments, and FIG. 38B shows a cross-sectionthrough magnetic alignment system 3800 across the cut plane indicated inFIG. 38A. Magnetic alignment system 3800 can be an implementation ofmagnetic alignment system 3606 of FIG. 36. In magnetic alignment system3800, the alignment components have magnetic components configured in a“closed loop” configuration as described below.

As shown in FIG. 38A, magnetic alignment system 3800 can include aprimary alignment component 3816 (which can be an implementation ofprimary alignment component 3616 of FIG. 36) and a secondary alignmentcomponent 3818 (which can be an implementation of secondary alignmentcomponent 3618 of FIG. 36). Primary alignment component 3816 andsecondary alignment component 3818 have annular shapes and may also bereferred to as “annular” alignment components. The particular dimensionscan be chosen as desired. In some embodiments, primary alignmentcomponent 3816 and secondary alignment component 3818 can each have anouter diameter of about 404 mm and a radial width of about 6 mm. Theouter diameters and radial widths of primary alignment component 3816and secondary alignment component 3818 need not be exactly equal. Forinstance, the radial width of secondary alignment component 3818 can beslightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component 3816and/or the outer diameter of secondary alignment component 3818 can alsobe slightly less than the radial width of primary alignment component3816 so that, when in alignment, the inner and outer sides of primaryalignment component 3816 extend beyond the corresponding inner and outersides of secondary alignment component 3818. Thicknesses (or axialdimensions) of primary alignment component 3816 and secondary alignmentcomponent 3818 can also be chosen as desired. In some embodiments,primary alignment component 3816 has a thickness of about 1.5 mm whilesecondary alignment component 3818 has a thickness of about 0.37 mm.

Primary alignment component 3816 can include a number of sectors, eachof which can be formed of a number of primary magnets 3826, andsecondary alignment component 3818 can include a number of sectors, eachof which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets 3828. In theexample shown, the number of primary magnets 3826 is equal to the numberof secondary magnets 3828, and each sector includes exactly one magnet,but this is not required; for example, as described below a sector mayinclude multiple magnets. Primary magnets 3826 and secondary magnets3828 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane suchthat when primary magnets 3826 (or secondary magnets 3828) arepositioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 3826 (orsecondary magnets 3828) form an annular structure as shown. In someembodiments, primary magnets 3826 can be in contact with each other atinterfaces 3830, and secondary magnets 3828 can be in contact with eachother at interfaces 3832. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces mayseparate adjacent primary magnets 3826 or secondary magnets 3828,providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.

In some embodiments, primary alignment component 3816 can also includean annular shield 3814 disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets3826. In some embodiments, shield 3814 can be formed as a single annularpiece of material and adhered to primary magnets 3826 to secure primarymagnets 3826 into position. Shield 3814 can be formed of a material thathas high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and canredirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond thedistal side of primary alignment component 3816, thereby protectingsensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side ofprimary alignment component 3816 from magnetic interference.

Primary magnets 3826 and secondary magnets 3828 can be made of amagnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magneticmaterials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create apersistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet 3828 can have a singlemagnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in theradial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarityindicator 3817 in FIG. 38B). As described below, the magneticorientation can be in a radial direction with respect to axis 3801 oranother direction having a radial component in the transverse plane.Each primary magnet 3826 can include two magnetic regions havingopposite magnetic orientations. For example, each primary magnet 3826can include an inner arcuate magnetic region 3852 having a magneticorientation in a first axial direction (as shown by polarity indicator3853 in FIG. 38B), an outer arcuate magnetic region 3854 having amagnetic orientation in a second axial direction opposite the firstdirection (as shown by polarity indicator 3855 in FIG. 38B), and acentral non-magnetized region 3856 that does not have a magneticorientation. Central non-magnetized region 3856 can magneticallyseparate inner arcuate region 3852 from outer arcuate region 3854 byinhibiting magnetic fields from directly crossing through central region3856. Magnets having regions of opposite magnetic orientation separatedby a non-magnetized region are sometimes referred to herein as having a“quad-pole” configuration.

In some embodiments, each secondary magnet 3828 can be made of amagnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuatestructure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in thetransverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer. Similarly,each primary magnet 3826 can be made of a single piece of magneticmaterial that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, anda magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axialmagnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region ofthe structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the oppositedirection within an outer arcuate region of the structure, whiledemagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in thecentral region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet3826 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magneticmaterial providing inner arcuate magnetic region 3852 and outer arcuatemagnetic region 3854; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region3856 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic material orformed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magneticregion 3852 and outer arcuate magnetic region 3854.

As shown in FIG. 38B, the magnetic polarity of secondary magnet 3828(shown by indicator 3817) can be oriented such that when primaryalignment component 3816 and secondary alignment component 3818 arealigned, the south pole of secondary magnet 3828 is oriented toward thenorth pole of inner arcuate magnetic region 3852 (shown by indicator3853) while the north pole of secondary magnet 3828 is oriented towardthe south pole of outer arcuate magnetic region 3854 (shown by indicator3855). Accordingly, the respective magnetic orientations of innerarcuate magnetic region 3852, secondary magnet 3828 and outer arcuatemagnetic region 3856 can generate magnetic fields 3840 that produce anattractive force between primary magnet 3826 and secondary magnet 3828,thereby facilitating alignment between respective electronic devices inwhich primary alignment component 3816 and secondary alignment component3818 are disposed (e.g., as shown in FIG. 36). Shield 3814 can redirectsome of magnetic fields 3840 away from regions below primary magnet3826. Further, the “closed-loop” magnetic field 3840 formed aroundcentral nonmagnetic region 3856 can have tight and compact field linesthat do not stray from primary magnets 3826 and secondary magnets 3828as far as magnetic field 3740 strays from primary magnets 3726 andsecondary magnets 3728 in FIG. 37B. Thus, magnetically sensitivecomponents can be placed relatively close to primary alignment component3816 with reduced concern for stray magnetic fields. Accordingly, ascompared to magnetic alignment system 3700, magnetic alignment system3800 can help to reduce the overall size of a device in which primaryalignment component 3816 is positioned and can also help reduce noisecreated by magnetic field 3840 in adjacent components or devices, suchas a power-receiving device in which secondary alignment component 3818is positioned.

It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 3800 isillustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. Forinstance, while primary alignment component 3816 and secondary alignmentcomponent 3818 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuatemagnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, suchas sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets,and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number ofsecondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component3818 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly,primary alignment component 3816 can be formed of a single, monolithicannular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetizationpattern as described above, or primary alignment component 3816 can beformed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outerannular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of non-magneticmaterial disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annularmagnet. In some embodiments, a construction using multiple arcuatemagnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets areless brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less proneto yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic materialduring manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magneticorientations of the various magnetic alignment components or individualmagnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axialdirections. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides aclosed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondaryalignment components.

As noted above, in embodiments of magnetic alignment systems havingclosed-loop magnetic orientations, such as magnetic alignment system3800, secondary alignment component 3818 can have a magnetic orientationin the transverse plane. For example, in some embodiments, secondaryalignment component 3818 can have a magnetic polarity in a radialorientation. FIG. 39 shows a simplified top-down view of a secondaryalignment component 3918 according to some embodiments having secondarymagnets 3928 a-h with radial magnetic orientations as shown by magneticpolarity indicators 3917 a-h. In this example, each secondary magnet3928 a-h has a north magnetic pole oriented toward the radially outwardside and a south magnetic pole toward the radially inward side; however,this orientation can be reversed, and the north magnetic pole of eachsecondary magnet 3928 a-h can be oriented toward the radially inwardside while the south magnetic pole is oriented toward the radiallyoutward side.

FIG. 40A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignment system 4000according to some embodiments. Magnetic alignment system 4000, which canbe an implementation of magnetic alignment system 3900, includes asecondary alignment component 4018 having a radially outward magneticorientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 39) and a complementary primaryalignment component 4016. In this example, magnetic alignment system4000 includes a gap 4019 between two of the sectors; however, gap 4019is optional and magnetic alignment system 4000 can be a complete annularstructure. Also shown are components 4002, which can include, forexample an inductive coil assembly or other components located withinthe central region of primary magnetic alignment component 4016 orsecondary magnetic alignment component 4018. Magnetic alignment system4000 can have a closed-loop configuration similar to magnetic alignmentsystem 3800 (as shown in FIG. 38B) and can include arcuate sectors 4001,each of which can be made of one or more arcuate magnets. In someembodiments, the closed-loop configuration of magnetic alignment system4000 can reduce or prevent magnetic field leakage that may affectcomponents 4002.

FIG. 40B shows an axial cross-section view through one of arcuatesectors 4001. Arcuate sector 4001 includes a primary magnet 4026 and asecondary magnet 4028. As shown by orientation indicator 4017, secondarymagnet 4028 has a magnetic polarity oriented in a radially outwarddirection, i.e., the north magnetic pole is toward the radially outwardside of magnetic alignment system 4000. Like primary magnets 3826described above, primary magnet 4026 includes an inner arcuate magneticregion 4052, an outer arcuate magnetic region 4054, and a centralnon-magnetized region 4056 (which can include, e.g., an air gap or aregion of nonmagnetic or non-magnetized material). Inner arcuatemagnetic region 4052 has a magnetic polarity oriented axially such thatthe north magnetic pole is toward secondary magnet 4028, as shown byindicator 4053, while outer arcuate magnetic region 4054 has an oppositemagnetic orientation, with the south magnetic pole oriented towardsecondary magnet 4028, as shown by indicator 4055. As described abovewith reference to FIG. 38B, the arrangement of magnetic orientationsshown in FIG. 40B results in magnetic attraction between primary magnet4026 and secondary magnet 4028. In some embodiments, the magneticpolarities can be reversed such that the north magnetic pole ofsecondary magnet 4028 is oriented toward the radially inward side ofmagnetic alignment system 4000, the north magnetic pole of outer arcuateregion 4054 of primary magnet 4026 is oriented toward secondary magnet4028, and the north magnetic pole of inner arcuate region 4052 isoriented away from secondary magnet 4028.

When primary alignment component 4016 and secondary alignment component4018 are aligned, the radially symmetrical arrangement and directionalequivalence of magnetic polarities of primary alignment component 4016and secondary alignment component 4018 allow secondary alignmentcomponent 4018 to rotate freely (relative to primary alignment component4016) in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the lateralplane while maintaining alignment along the axis.

As used herein, a “radial” orientation need not be exactly or purelyradial. For example, FIG. 40C shows a secondary arcuate magnet 4038according to some embodiments. Secondary arcuate magnet 4038 has apurely radial magnetic orientation, as indicated by arrows 4039. Eacharrow 4039 is directed at the center of curvature of magnet 4038; ifextended inward, arrows 4039 would converge at the center of curvature.However, achieving this purely radial magnetization requires thatmagnetic domains within magnet 4038 be oriented obliquely to neighboringmagnetic domains. For some types of magnetic materials, purely radialmagnetic orientation may not be practical. Accordingly, some embodimentsuse a “pseudo-radial” magnetic orientation that approximates the purelyradial orientation of FIG. 40C. FIG. 40D shows a secondary arcuatemagnet 4048 with pseudo-radial magnetic orientation according to someembodiments. Magnet 4048 has a magnetic orientation, shown by arrows4049, that is perpendicular to a baseline 4051 connecting the innercorners 4057, 4059 of arcuate magnet 4048. If extended inward, arrows4049 would not converge. Thus, neighboring magnetic domains in magnet4048 are parallel to each other, which is readily achievable in magneticmaterials such as NdFeB. The overall effect in a magnetic alignmentsystem, however, can be similar to the purely radial magneticorientation shown FIG. 40C. FIG. 40E shows a secondary annular alignmentcomponent 4058 made up of magnets 4048 according to some embodiments.Magnetic orientation arrows 4049 have been extended to the center point4061 of annular alignment component 4058. As shown the magnetic fielddirection can be approximately radial, with the closeness of theapproximation depending on the number of magnets 4048 and the innerradius of annular alignment component 4058. In some embodiments, 138magnets 4048 can provide a pseudo-radial orientation; in otherembodiments, more or fewer magnets can be used. It should be understoodthat all references herein to magnets having a “radial” magneticorientation include pseudo-radial magnetic orientations and othermagnetic orientations that are approximately but not purely radial.

In some embodiments, a radial magnetic orientation in a secondaryalignment component 4018 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 40B) provides amagnetic force profile between secondary alignment component 4018 andprimary alignment component 4016 that is the same around the entirecircumference of the magnetic alignment system. The radial magneticorientation can also result in greater magnetic permeance, which allowssecondary alignment component 4018 to resist demagnetization as well asenhancing the attractive force in the axial direction and improvingshear force in the lateral directions when the two components arealigned.

FIGS. 41A and 41B show graphs of force profiles for different magneticalignment systems, according to some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 41Ashows a graph 4100 of vertical attractive (normal) force in the axial(z) direction for different magnetic alignment systems of comparablesize and using similar types of magnets. Graph 4100 has a horizontalaxis representing displacement from a center of alignment, where 0represents the aligned position and negative and positive valuesrepresent left and right displacements from the aligned position inarbitrary units, and a vertical axis showing the normal force(F_(NORMAL)) as a function of displacement in arbitrary units. Forpurposes of this description, F_(NORMAL) is defined as the magneticforce between the primary and secondary alignment components in theaxial direction; F_(NORMAL)>0 represents attractive force whileF_(NORMAL)<0 represents repulsive force. Graph 4100 shows normal forceprofiles for three different types of magnetic alignment systems. Afirst type of magnetic alignment system uses central alignmentcomponents, such as a pair of complementary disc-shaped magnets placedalong an axis; a representative normal force profile for a “central”magnetic alignment system is shown as line 4101 (dot-dash line). Asecond type of magnetic alignment system uses annular alignmentcomponents with axial magnetic orientations, e.g., magnetic alignmentsystem 3700 of FIGS. 37A and 37B; a representative normal force profilefor such an annular-axial magnetic alignment system is shown as line4103 (dashed line). A third type of magnetic alignment system usesannular alignment components with closed-loop magnetic orientations andradial symmetry (e.g., magnetic alignment system 4000 of FIG. 40); arepresentative normal force profile for a radially symmetric closed-loopmagnetic alignment system is shown as line 4105 (solid line.)

Similarly, FIG. 41B shows a graph 4120 of lateral (shear) force in atransverse direction for different magnetic alignment systems. Graph4120 has a horizontal axis representing displacement from a center ofalignment using the same convention and units as graph 4100, and avertical axis showing the shear force (F_(SHEAR)) as a function ofdirection in arbitrary units. For purposes of this description,F_(SHEAR) is defined as the magnetic force between the primary andsecondary alignment components in the lateral direction; F_(SHEAR)>0represents force toward the left along the displacement axis whileF_(SHEAR)<0 represents force toward the right along the displacementaxis. Graph 4120 shows shear force profiles for the same three types ofmagnetic alignment systems as graph 4100: a representative shear forceprofile for a central magnetic alignment system is shown as line 4121(dot-dash line); a representative shear force profile for anannular-axial magnetic alignment system is shown as line 4123 (dashedline); and a representative normal force profile for a radiallysymmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system is shown as line 4125(solid line).

As shown in FIG. 41A, each type of magnetic alignment system achievesthe strongest magnetic attraction in the axial direction when theprimary and secondary alignment components are in the aligned position(0 on the horizontal axis), as shown by respective peaks 4111, 4113, and4115. While the most strongly attractive normal force is achieved in thealigned positioned for all systems, the magnitude of the peak depends onthe type of magnetic alignment system. In particular, aradially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magneticalignment system 4000 of FIG. 40) provides stronger magnetic attractionwhen in the aligned position than the other types of magnetic alignmentsystems. This strong attractive normal force can overcome smallmisalignments due to frictional force and can achieve a more accurateand robust alignment between the primary and secondary alignmentcomponents, which in turn can provide a more accurate and robustalignment between a portable electronic device and a wireless chargingdevice within which the magnetic alignment system is implemented.

As shown in FIG. 41B, the strongest shear forces (attractive orrepulsive) are obtained when the primary and secondary alignmentcomponents are laterally just outside of the aligned position, e.g., at−2 and +2 units of separation from the aligned position, as shown byrespective peaks 4131 a-b, 4133 a-b, and 4135 a-b. Similarly to thenormal force, the magnitude of the peak strength of shear force dependson the type of magnetic alignment system. In particular, aradially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magneticalignment system 4000 of FIG. 40) provides higher magnitude of shearforce when just outside of the aligned position than the other types ofmagnetic alignment systems. This strong shear force can provide tactilefeedback to help the user identify when the two components are aligned.In addition, like the strong normal force, the strong shear force canovercome small misalignments due to frictional force and can achieve amore accurate and robust alignment between the primary and secondaryalignment components, which in turn can provide a more accurate androbust alignment between a portable electronic device and a wirelesscharging device within which the magnetic alignment system isimplemented.

A radially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g.,magnetic alignment system 4000 of FIG. 40) can provide accurate androbust alignment in the axial and lateral directions. Further, becauseof the radial symmetry, the alignment system does not have a preferredrotational orientation in the lateral plane about the axis; the shearforce profile is the same regardless of relative rotational orientationof the electronic devices being aligned.

In some embodiments, a closed-loop magnetic alignment system can bedesigned to provide one or more preferred rotational orientations. FIG.42 shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component4218 according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component 4218includes sectors 4228 a-h with radial magnetic orientations as shown bymagnetic polarity indicators 4217 a-h. Each of sectors 4228 a-h caninclude one or more secondary arcuate magnets (not shown). In thisexample, secondary magnets in sectors 4228 b, 4228 d, 4228 f, and 4228 heach have a north magnetic pole oriented toward the radially outwardside and a south magnetic pole toward the radially inward side, whilesecondary magnets in sectors 4228 a, 4228 c, 4228 e, and 4228 g eachhave a north magnetic pole oriented toward the radially inward side anda south magnetic pole toward the radially outward side. In other words,magnets in sectors 4228 a-h of secondary alignment component 4218 havealternating magnetic orientations. A complementary primary alignmentcomponent can have sectors with correspondingly alternating magneticorientations.

For example, FIG. 43A shows a perspective view of a magnetic alignmentsystem 4300 according to some embodiments. Magnetic alignment system4300 includes a secondary alignment component 4318 having alternatingradial magnetic orientations (e.g., as shown in FIG. 42) and acomplementary primary alignment component 4316. Some of the arcuatesections of magnetic alignment system 4300 are not shown in order toreveal internal structure; however, it should be understood thatmagnetic alignment system 4300 can be a complete annular structure. Alsoshown are components 4302, which can include, for example, inductivecoil assemblies or other components located within the central region ofprimary annular alignment component 4316 and/or secondary annularalignment component 4318. Magnetic alignment system 4300 can be aclosed-loop magnetic alignment system similar to magnetic alignmentsystem 3800 described above and can include arcuate sectors 4301 b, 4301c of alternating magnetic orientations, with each arcuate sector 4301 b,4301 c including one or more arcuate magnets in each of primary annularalignment component 4316 and secondary annular alignment component 4318.In some embodiments, the closed-loop configuration of magnetic alignmentsystem 4300 can reduce or prevent magnetic field leakage that may affectcomponent 4302.

FIG. 43B shows an axial cross-section view through one of arcuatesectors 4301 b, and FIG. 43C shows an axial cross-section view throughone of arcuate sectors 4301 c. Arcuate sector 4301 b includes a primarymagnet 4326 b and a secondary magnet 4328 b. As shown by orientationindicator 4317 b, secondary magnet 4328 b has a magnetic polarityoriented in a radially outward direction, i.e., the north magnetic poleis toward the radially outward side of magnetic alignment system 4300.Like primary magnets 3826 described above, primary magnet 4326 bincludes an inner arcuate magnetic region 4352 b, an outer arcuatemagnetic region 4354 b, and a central nonmagnetic region 4356 b (whichcan include, e.g., an air gap or a region of nonmagnetic material).Inner arcuate magnetic region 4352 b has a magnetic polarity orientedaxially such that the north magnetic pole is toward secondary magnet4328 b, as shown by indicator 4353 b, while outer arcuate magneticregion 4354 b has an opposite magnetic orientation, with the southmagnetic pole oriented toward secondary magnet 4328 b, as shown byindicator 4355 b. As described above with reference to FIG. 38B, thearrangement of magnetic orientations shown in FIG. 43B results inmagnetic attraction between primary magnet 4326 b and secondary magnet4328 b.

As shown in FIG. 43C, arcuate sector 4301 c has a “reversed” magneticorientation relative to arcuate sector 4301 b. Arcuate sector 4301 cincludes a primary magnet 4326 c and a secondary magnet 4328 c. As shownby orientation indicator 4317 c, secondary magnet 4328 c has a magneticpolarity oriented in a radially inward direction, i.e., the northmagnetic pole is toward the radially inward side of magnetic alignmentsystem 4300. Like primary magnets 3826 described above, primary magnet4326 c includes an inner arcuate magnetic region 4352 c, an outerarcuate magnetic region 4354 c, and a central nonmagnetic region 4356 c(which can include, e.g., an air gap or a region of nonmagneticmaterial). Inner arcuate magnetic region 4352 c has a magnetic polarityoriented axially such that the south magnetic pole is toward secondarymagnet 4328 c, as shown by indicator 4353 c, while outer arcuatemagnetic region 4354 c has an opposite magnetic orientation, with thenorth magnetic pole oriented toward secondary magnet 4328 c, as shown byindicator 4355 c. As described above with reference to FIG. 38B, thearrangement of magnetic orientations shown in FIG. 43C results inmagnetic attraction between primary magnet 4326 c and secondary magnet4328 c.

An alternating arrangement of magnetic polarities as shown in FIGS. 42and 43A-8C can create a “ratcheting” feel when secondary alignmentcomponent 4318 is aligned with primary alignment component 4316 and oneof alignment components 4316, 4318 is rotated relative to the otherabout the common axis. For instance, as secondary alignment component4318 is rotated relative to primary alignment component 4316,radially-outward magnet 4328 b alternately come into proximity with acomplementary magnet 4326 b of primary alignment component 4316,resulting in an attractive magnetic force, and with ananti-complementary magnet 4326 c of primary alignment component 4316,resulting in a repulsive magnetic force. If primary magnets 4326 b, 4326c and secondary magnets 4328 b, 4328 c have the same angular size andspacing, in any given orientation, each pair of magnets will experiencesimilar net attractive or repulsive magnetic forces such that alignmentis stable and robust in rotational orientations in which complementarymagnet pairs 4326 b, 4328 b and 4326 c, 4328 c are in proximity. Inother rotational orientations, a torque toward a stable rotationalorientation can be experienced.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 42 and 43A-8C, each sector includes onemagnet, and the direction of magnetic orientation alternates with eachmagnet. In some embodiments, a sector can include two or more magnetshaving the same direction of magnetic orientation. For example, FIG. 44Ashows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component 4418according to some embodiments. Secondary alignment component 4418includes secondary magnets 4428 b with radially outward magneticorientations and secondary magnets 4428 c with radially inwardorientations, similarly to secondary alignment component 4318 describedabove. In this example, the magnets are arranged such that a pair ofoutwardly-oriented magnets 4428 b (forming a first sector) are adjacentto a pair of inwardly-oriented magnets 4428 c (forming a second sectoradjacent to the first sector). The pattern of alternating sectors (withtwo magnets per sector) repeats around the circumference of secondaryalignment component 4418. Similarly, FIG. 44B shows a simplifiedtop-down view of another secondary alignment component 4418′ accordingto some embodiments. Secondary alignment component 4418′ includessecondary magnets 4428 b with radially outward magnetic orientations andsecondary magnets 4428 c with radially inward orientations. In thisexample, the magnets are arranged such that a group of fourradially-outward magnets 4428 b (forming a first sector) is adjacent toa group of four radially-inward magnets 4428 c (forming a second sectoradjacent to the first sector). The pattern of alternating sectors (withfour magnets per sector) repeats around the circumference of secondaryalignment component 4418′. Although not shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B, thestructure of a complementary primary alignment component for secondaryalignment component 4418 or 4418′ should be apparent in view of FIGS.43A-8C. A shear force profile for the alignment components of FIGS. 44Aand 44B can be similar to the ratcheting profile described above,although the number of rotational orientations that provide stablealignment will be different.

In other embodiments, a variety of force profiles can be created bychanging the alignment of different component magnets of the primaryand/or secondary alignment components. As just one example, FIG. 45shows a simplified top-down view of a secondary alignment component 4518according to some embodiments having sectors 4528 a-h withlocation-dependent magnetic orientations as shown by magnetic polarityindicators 4517 a-h. In this example, secondary alignment component 4518can be regarded as bisected by bisector line 4501, which defines twohalves of secondary alignment component 4518. In a first half 4503,sectors 4528 e-h have magnetic polarities oriented radially outward,similarly to examples described above.

In the second half 4505, sectors 4528 a-d have magnetic polaritiesoriented substantially parallel to bisector line 4501 rather thanradially. In particular, sectors 4528 a and 4528 b have magneticpolarities oriented in a first direction parallel to bisector line 4501,while sectors 4528 c and 4528 d have magnetic polarities oriented in thedirection opposite to the direction of the magnetic polarities ofsectors 4528 a and 4528 b. A complementary primary alignment componentcan have an inner annular region with magnetic north pole orientedtoward secondary alignment component 4518, an outer annular region withmagnetic north pole oriented away from secondary alignment component4518, and a central non-magnetized region, providing a closed-loopmagnetic orientation as described above. The asymmetric arrangement ofmagnetic orientations in secondary alignment component 4518 can modifythe shear force profile such that secondary alignment component 4518generates less shear force in the direction toward second half 4505 thanin the direction toward first half 4503. In some embodiments, anasymmetrical arrangement of this kind can be used where the primaryalignment component is mounted in a docking station and the secondaryalignment component is mounted in a portable electronic device thatdocks with the docking station. Assuming secondary annular alignmentcomponent 4518 is oriented in the portable electronic device such thathalf-annulus 4505 is toward the top of the portable electronic device,the asymmetric shear force can facilitate an action of sliding theportable electronic device downward to dock with the docking station orupward to remove it from the docking station, while still providing anattractive force to draw the portable electronic device into a desiredalignment with the docking station.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples are illustrative andnot limiting. Sectors of a primary and/or secondary alignment componentcan include magnetic elements with the magnetic polarity oriented in anydesired direction and in any combination, provided that the primary andsecondary alignment components of a given magnetic alignment system havecomplementary magnetic orientations to provide forces toward the desiredposition of alignment. Different combinations of magnetic orientationsmay create different shear force profiles, and the selection of magneticorientations may be made based on a desired shear force profile.

In embodiments described above, it is assumed (though not required) thatthe magnetic alignment components are fixed in position relative to thedevice enclosure and do not move in the axial or lateral direction. Thisprovides a fixed magnetic flux. In some embodiments, it may be desirablefor one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move in theaxial direction. For example, in various embodiments of the presentinvention, it can be desirable to limit the magnetic flux provided bythese magnetic structures. Limiting the magnetic flux can help toprevent the demagnetization of various charge and payment cards that auser might be carrying with an electronic device that incorporates oneof these magnetic structures. But in some circumstances, it can bedesirable to increase this magnetic flux in order to increase a magneticattraction between an electronic device and an accessory or a secondelectronic device. Also, it can be desirable for one or more of themagnetic alignment components to move laterally. For example, anelectronic device and an attachment structure or wireless device can beoffset from each other in a lateral direction. The ability of a magneticalignment component to move laterally can compensate for this offset andimprove coupling between devices, particularly where a coil moves withthe magnetic alignment component. Accordingly, embodiments of thepresent invention can provide structures where some or all of themagnets in these magnetic structures are able to change positions orotherwise move. Examples of magnetic structures having moving magnetsare shown in the following figures.

FIGS. 46A through 46C illustrate examples of moving magnets according toan embodiment of the present invention. In these examples, firstelectronic device 4600 can be a wireless charger, such as any of thewireless chargers shown herein, or other device having a magnet 4610(which can be, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignmentcomponents such as the magnet arrays and alignment magnets describedabove), while a second electronic device (not shown) can be a phone orother electronic device. In FIG. 46A, moving magnet 4610 can be housedin a first electronic device 4600. First electronic device 4600 caninclude device enclosure 4630, magnet 4610, and shield 4620. Magnet 4610can be in a first position (not shown) adjacent to nonmoving shield4620. In this position, magnet 4610 can be separated from deviceenclosure 4630. As a result, the magnetic flux 4612 at a surface ofdevice enclosure 4630 can be relatively low, thereby protecting magneticdevices and magnetically stored information, such as information storedon payment cards. As magnet 4610 in first electronic device 4600 isattracted to a second magnet (not shown) in the second electronicdevice, magnet 4610 can move, for example it can move away from shield4620 to be adjacent to device enclosure 4630, as shown. With magnet 4610at this location, magnetic flux 4612 at surface of device enclosure 4630can be relatively high. This increase in magnetic flux 4612 can help toattract the second electronic device to first electronic device 4600.

With this configuration, it can take a large amount of magneticattraction for magnet 4610 to separate from shield 4620. Accordingly,these and other embodiments of the present invention can include ashield that is split into a shield portion and a return plate portion.For example, in FIG. 46B, line 4660 can be used to indicate a split ofshield 4620 into a shield 4640 and return plate 4650.

In FIG. 46C, moving magnet 4610 can be housed in first electronic device4600. First electronic device 4600 can include device enclosure 4630,magnet 4610, shield 4640, and return plate 4650. In the absence of amagnetic attraction, magnet 4610 can be in a first position (not shown)such that shield 4640 can be adjacent to return plate 4650. Again, inthis configuration, magnetic flux 4612 at a surface of device enclosure4630 can be relatively low. As magnet 4610 and first electronic device4600 is attracted to a second magnet (not shown) in a second electronicdevice (not shown), magnet 4610 can move, for example it can move awayfrom return plate 4650 to be adjacent to device enclosure 4630, asshown. In this configuration, shield 4640 can separate from return plate4650 and the magnetic flux 4612 at a surface of device enclosure 4630can be increased. As before, this increase in magnetic flux 4612 canhelp to attract the second electronic device to the first electronicdevice 4600.

In these and other embodiments of the present invention, varioushousings and structures can be used to guide a moving magnet. Also,various surfaces can be used in conjunction with these moving magnets.These surfaces can be rigid. Alternatively, these surfaces can becompliant and at least somewhat flexible. Examples are shown in thefollowing figures.

FIGS. 47A and 47B illustrate a moving magnetic structure according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this example, first electronicdevice 4700 can be a wireless charger, such as any of the wirelesschargers shown herein, or other device having a magnet 4710 (which canbe, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignment components suchas the magnet arrays and alignment magnets described above), while asecond electronic device 4760 (shown in FIG. 47B) can be a phone orother electronic device. FIG. 47A illustrates a moving first magnet 4710in a first electronic device 4700. First electronic device 4700 caninclude first magnet 4710, protective surface 4712, housings 4720 and4722, compliant structure 4724, shield 4740, and return plate 4750. Inthis figure, first magnet 4710 is not attracted to a second magnet (notshown), and therefore shield 4740 is magnetically attracted to orattached to return plate 4750. In this position, compliant structure4724 can be expanded or relaxed. Compliant structure 4724 can be formedof an elastomer, silicon rubber open cell foam, silicon rubber,polyurethane foam, or other foam or other compressible material.

In FIG. 47B, second electronic device 4760 has been brought intoproximity of first electronic device 4700. Second magnet 4770 canattract first magnet 4710, thereby causing shield 4740 and return plate4750 to separate from each other. Housings 4720 and 4722 can compresscompliant structure 4724, thereby allowing protective surface 4712 offirst electronic device 4700 to move towards or adjacent to housing 4780of second electronic device 4760. Second magnet 4770 can be held inplace in second electronic device 4760 by housing 4790 or otherstructure. As second electronic device 4760 is removed from firstelectronic device 4700, first magnet 4710 and shield 4740 can bemagnetically attracted to return plate 4750, as shown in FIG. 47A.

FIGS. 48A and 48B illustrate moving magnetic structures according to anembodiment of the present invention. In this example, first electronicdevice 4800 can be a wireless charger, such as any of the wirelesschargers shown herein, or other device having a magnet 4810 (which canbe, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignment components suchas the magnet arrays and alignment magnets described above), whilesecond electronic device 4860 (shown in FIG. 48B) can be a phone oranother electronic device. FIG. 48A illustrates a moving first magnet4810 in a first electronic device 4800. First electronic device 4800 caninclude first magnet 4810, pliable surface 4812, housing portions 4820and 4822, shield 4840, and return plate 4850. In this figure, firstmagnet 4810 is not attracted to a second magnet, and therefore shield4840 is magnetically attached or attracted to return plate 4850. In thisposition, pliable surface 4812 can be relaxed. Pliable surface 4812 canbe formed of an elastomer, silicon rubber open cell foam, siliconrubber, polyurethane foam, or other foam or other compressible material.

In FIG. 48B, second electronic device 4860 has been brought into theproximity of first electronic device 4800. Second magnet 4870 canattract first magnet 4810, thereby causing shield 4840 and return plate4850 to separate from each other. First magnet 4810 can stretch pliablesurface 4812 towards second electronic device 4860, thereby allowingfirst magnet 4810 of first electronic device 4800 to move towardshousing 4880 of second electronic device 4860.

Second magnet 4870 can be held in place in second electronic device 4860by housing 4880 or other structure. As second electronic device 4860 isremoved from first electronic device 4800, first magnet 4810 and shield4840 can be magnetically attracted to return plate 4850 as shown in FIG.48A.

FIGS. 49 through FIG. 51 illustrate a moving magnetic structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example,first electronic device 4900 can be a wireless charger, such as any ofthe wireless chargers shown herein, or other device having a magnet 4910(which can be, e.g., any of the annular or other magnetic alignmentcomponents such as the magnet arrays and alignment magnets describedabove), while second electronic device 4890 (shown in FIG. 50) can be aphone or other electronic device. In FIG. 49, first magnet 4910 andshield 4940 can be magnetically attracted or attached to return plate4950 in first electronic device 4900. First electronic device 4900 canbe at least partially housed in device enclosure 4920. In FIG. 50,housing 4980 of second electronic device 4960 can move laterally acrossa surface of device enclosure 4920 of first electronic device 4900 in adirection 4985. Second magnet 4970 in second electronic device 4960 canbegin to attract first magnet 4910 in first electronic device 4900. Thismagnetic attraction 4915 can cause first magnet 4910 and shield 4940 topull away from return plate 4950 by overcoming the magnetic attraction4945 between shield 4940 and return plate 4950. In FIG. 51, secondmagnet 4970 in second electronic device 4960 has become aligned withfirst magnet 4910 in first electronic device 4900. First magnet 4910 andshield 4940 have pulled away from return plate 4950 thereby reducing themagnetic attraction 4945. First magnet 4910 has moved nearby or adjacentto device enclosure 4920, thereby increasing the magnetic attraction4915 to second magnet 4970 in second electronic device 4960.

As shown in FIG. 49 through FIG. 51, the magnetic attraction betweenfirst magnet 4910 in first electronic device 4900 and the second magnet4970 in the second electronic device 4960 can increase when first magnet4910 and shield 4940 pull away from return plate 4950. This is showngraphically in the following figures.

FIG. 52 illustrates a normal force between a first magnet in firstelectronic device and a second magnet in a second electronic device as afunction of a lateral offset between them. As shown in FIG. 49 throughFIG. 51, with a large offset between first magnet 4910 and second magnet4970, first magnet 4910 and shield 4940 can remain attached to returnplate 4950 in first electronic device 4900 and the magnetic attraction4915 can be minimal. The shear force necessary to overcome this magneticattraction is illustrated here as curve 5210. As shown in FIG. 50, asthe offset or lateral distance between first magnet 4910 and secondmagnet 4970 decreases, first magnet 4910 and shield 4940 can pull awayor separate from return plate 4950, thereby increasing the magneticattraction 4915 between first magnet 4910 and second magnet 4970. Thisis illustrated here as discontinuity 5220. As shown in FIG. 51, as firstmagnet 4910 and second magnet 4970 come into alignment, the magneticattraction 4915 increases along curve 5230 to a maximum 5240. Thedifference between curve 5210 and curve 5230 can show the increase inmagnetic attraction between a phone or other electronic device, such assecond electronic device 4960 and a wireless charger, such as firstelectronic device 4900, that results from first magnet 4910 being ableto move axially. It should also be noted that in this example firstmagnet 4910 does not move in a lateral direction, though in otherembodiments of the present invention, it is capable of such movement.Where first magnet 4910 is capable of moving in a lateral direction,curve 5230 can have a flattened peak from an offset of zero to an offsetthat can be overcome by a range of possible lateral movement of firstmagnet 4910.

FIG. 53 illustrates a shear force between a first magnet in a firstelectronic device and a second magnet in a second electronic device as afunction of a lateral offset between them. With no offset between firstmagnet 4910 and second magnet 4970, there it is no shear force to movesecond magnet 4970 relative to first magnet 4910, as shown in FIG. 51.As the offset is increased, the shear force, that is the forceattempting to realign the magnets, can increase along curve 5340. Atdiscontinuity 5310, first magnet 4910 and shield 4940 can return toreturn plate 4950 (as shown in FIG. 49 and FIG. 50), thereby decreasingthe magnetic shear force to point 5320. The magnetic shear force cancontinue to drop off along curve 5330 as the offset increases. Thedifference between curve 5330 and curve 5340 can show the increase inmagnetic attraction between a phone or other electronic device, such assecond electronic device 4960 and wireless charger, such as firstelectronic device 4900, that results from first magnet 4910 being ableto move axially. It should also be noted that in this example firstmagnet 4910 does not move in a lateral direction, though in otherexamples it is capable of such movement. Where first magnet 4910 iscapable of moving in a lateral direction, curve 5330 can remain at zerountil the lateral movement of the second magnet 4970 overcomes the rangeof possible lateral movement of first magnet 4910.

For various applications, it may be desirable to enable a device havinga magnetic alignment component to identify other devices that arebrought into alignment. In some embodiments where the devices support awireless charging standard that defines a communication protocol betweendevices, the devices can use that protocol to communicate. For example,the Qi standard for wireless power transfer defines a communicationprotocol that enables a power-receiving device (i.e., a device that hasan inductive coil to receive power transferred wirelessly) tocommunicate information to a power-transmitting device (i.e., a devicethat has an inductive coil to generate time-varying magnetic fields totransfer power wirelessly to another device) via a modulation scheme inthe inductive coils. The Qi communication protocol or similar protocolscan be used to communicate information such as device identification orcharging status or requests to increase or decrease power transfer fromthe power-receiving device to the power-transmitting device.

In some embodiments, a separate communication subsystem, such as an NFCsubsystem can be provided to enable additional communication betweendevices. For example, each device that has an annular magnetic alignmentcomponent can also have an NFC coil that can be disposed inside andconcentric with the annular magnetic alignment component. Where thedevice also has an inductive charging coil (which can be a transmittercoil or a receiver coil), the NFC coil can be disposed in a gap betweenthe inductive charging coil and an annular magnetic alignment component.In some embodiments, the NFC coils can be used to allow a portableelectronic device to identify other devices, such as a wireless chargingdevice and/or an auxiliary device, when the respective magneticalignment components of the devices are brought into alignment. Forexample, the NFC coil of a power-receiving device can be coupled to anNFC reader circuit while the NFC coil of a power-transmitting device oran accessory device is coupled to an NFC tag circuit. When devices arebrought into proximity, the NFC reader circuit of the power-receivingdevice can be activated to read the NFC tag of the power-transmittingdevice and/or the accessory device. In this manner, the power-receivingdevice can obtain information (e.g., device identification) from thepower-transmitting device and/or the accessory device.

In some embodiments, an NFC reader in a portable electronic device canbe triggered by detecting a change in the DC (or static) magnetic fieldgenerated by the magnetic alignment component of the portable electronicdevice that corresponds to a change expected when another device with acomplementary magnetic alignment component is brought into alignment.When the expected change is detected, the NFC reader can be activated toread an NFC tag in the other device, assuming the other device ispresent.

In some embodiments, an NFC tag may be located in a device that includesa wireless charger and an annular alignment structure. The NFC tag canbe positioned and configured such that when the wireless charger deviceis aligned with a portable device having a complementary annularalignment structure and an NFC reader, the NFC tag is readable by theNFC reader of the portable electronic device.

FIG. 54 shows an exploded view of a wireless charger device 5402incorporating an NFC tag according to some embodiments, and FIG. 55shows a partial cross-section view of wireless charger device 5402according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 54, wireless chargerdevice 5402 can include an enclosure 5404, which can be made of plasticor metal (e.g., aluminum), and a charging surface 5406, which can bemade of silicone, plastic, glass, or other material that is permeable toAC and DC magnetic fields. Charging surface 5406 can be shaped to fitwithin a circular opening 5403 at the top of enclosure 5404.

A wireless transmitter coil assembly 5411 can be disposed withinenclosure 5404. Wireless transmitter coil assembly 5411 can include awireless transmitter coil 5412 for inductive power transfer to anotherdevice as well as AC magnetic and/or electric shield(s) 5413 disposedaround some or all surfaces of wireless transmitter coil 5412. Controlcircuitry 5414 (which can include, e.g., a logic board and/or powercircuitry) to control wireless transmitter coil 5412 can be disposed inthe center of coil 5412 and/or underneath coil 5412. In someembodiments, control circuitry 5414 can operate wireless transmittercoil 5412 in accordance with a wireless charging protocol such as the Qiprotocol or other protocols.

A primary annular magnetic alignment component 5416 can surroundwireless transmitter coil assembly 5411. Primary annular magneticalignment component 5416 can include a number of arcuate magnet sectionsarranged in an annular configuration as shown. Each arcuate magnetsection can include an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarityoriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region having amagnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite thefirst axial direction, and a central arcuate region that is notmagnetically polarized. In some embodiments, the diameter and thicknessof primary annular magnetic alignment component 5416 is chosen such thatarcuate magnet sections of primary annular magnetic alignment component5416 fit under a lip 5409 at the top surface of enclosure 5404, as bestseen in FIG. 55. For instance, each arcuate magnet section can beinserted into position under lip 5409, either before or aftermagnetizing the inner and outer regions. In some embodiments, primaryannular magnetic alignment component 5416 can have a gap 5436 betweentwo adjacent arcuate magnet sections. Gap 5436 can be aligned with anopening 5407 in a side surface of enclosure 5404 to allow external wiresto be connected to wireless transmitter coil 5412 and/or controlcircuitry 5414.

A support ring subassembly 5440 can include an annular frame 5442 thatextends in the axial direction and a friction pad 5444 at the top edgeof frame 5442. Friction pad 5444 can be made of a material such assilicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as thermoplasticurethane (TPU) and can provide support and protection for chargingsurface 5406. Frame 5442 can be made of a material such as polycarbonate(PC), glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate (GFPC), or glass-fiberreinforced polyamide (GFPA). Frame 5442 can have an NFC coil 5464disposed thereon. For example, NFC coil 5464 can be a four-turn orfive-turn solenoidal coil made of copper wire or other conductive wirethat is wound onto frame 5442. In some embodiments, NFC coil 5464 can beelectrically connected to NFC tag circuitry (not shown) that can bedisposed on frame 5442. The relevant design principles of NFC circuitsare well understood in the art and a detailed description is omitted.Frame 5442 can be inserted into a gap region 5417 between primaryannular magnetic alignment component 5416 and wireless transmitter coilassembly 5411. In some embodiments, gap region 5417 is shielded by ACshield 5413 from AC electromagnetic fields generated in wirelesstransmitter coil 5412 and is also shielded from DC magnetic fields ofprimary annular magnetic alignment component 5416 by the closed-loopconfiguration of the arcuate magnet sections.

FIG. 56 shows a flow diagram of a process 5600 that can be implementedin portable electronic device 5004 according to some embodiments. Insome embodiments, process 5600 can be performed iteratively whileportable electronic device 5004 is powered on. At block 5602, process5600 can determine a baseline magnetic field, e.g., using magnetometer5080. At block 5604, process 5600 can continue to monitor signals frommagnetometer 5080 until a change in magnetic field is detected. At block5606, process 5600 can determine whether the change in magnetic fieldmatches a magnitude and direction of change associated with alignment ofa complementary magnetic alignment component. If not, then the baselinemagnetic field can be updated at block 5602. If, at block 5606, thechange in magnetic field matches a magnitude and direction of changeassociated with alignment of a complementary alignment component, thenat block 5608, process 5600 can activate the NFC reader circuitryassociated with NFC coil 5060 to read an NFC tag of an aligned device.At block 5610, process 5600 can receive identification information readfrom the NFC tag. At block 5612, process 5600 can modify a behavior ofportable electronic device 5004 based on the identification information,for example, generating a color wash effect as described above. Afterblock 5612, process 5600 can optionally return to block 5602 to providecontinuous monitoring of magnetometer 5080. It should be understood thatprocess 5600 is illustrative and that other processes may be performedin addition to or instead of process 5600.

It is well understood that the use of personally identifiableinformation should follow privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular,personally identifiable information data should be managed and handledso as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use,and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.

The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presentedfor the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described,and many modifications and variations are possible in light of theteaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention in various embodiments and with various modifications asare suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will beappreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modificationsand equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless charger for an electronic device, thewireless charger comprising: a base having a passage, the passagedefined by an inner sidewall extending from a top surface of the base toa bottom surface of the base; a wireless charging assembly comprising: ahousing including an enclosure covered by a cap, the cap forming acharging surface; and a magnet array in the housing; a hinge comprising:a stem having a sleeve with a cylindrical opening at a first end, thestem further comprising a joining portion having a first end attached tothe sleeve and a second end attached to the wireless charging assembly;a first support block attached to the base and having a slot; a firstcylindrical shaft having a first end inserted into the opening at thefirst end of the sleeve and a second end supported by the first supportblock; and a first clip having a loop portion around the first shaft anda tab attached to a first end of the loop portion, the tab in the slotin the first support block.
 2. The wireless charger of claim 1 whereinthe sleeve further comprises a cylindrical opening at a second end,wherein the hinge further comprises: a second support block attached tothe base and having a slot; a second cylindrical shaft having a firstend inserted into the opening at the second end of the sleeve and asecond end supported by the second support block; and a second cliphaving a loop portion around the second shaft and a tab attached to afirst end of the loop portion, the tab in the slot in the second supportblock.
 3. The wireless charger of claim 2 wherein the wireless chargingassembly is movable between down position in which the wireless chargingassembly is disposed within the passage and an up position in which thewireless charging assembly extends outside the base.
 4. The wirelesscharger of claim 3 wherein as the wireless charging assembly moves fromthe down position to the up position, the loop portion of the first cliploosens around the first shaft and as the wireless charging assemblymoves from the up position to the down position, the loop portion of thefirst clip tightens around the first shaft.
 5. The wireless charger ofclaim 4 wherein the magnet array is movable within the wireless chargingassembly to increase a magnetic attraction to a corresponding magnetarray in the electronic device.
 6. The wireless charger of claim 5wherein the cap for the housing for the wireless charging assemblycomprises a silicone layer over a polycarbonate layer.
 7. The wirelesscharger of claim 6 wherein the enclosure for the wireless chargingassembly comprises stainless steel.
 8. The wireless charger of claim 6wherein the enclosure for the wireless charging assembly comprisesaluminum.
 9. The wireless charger of claim 4 wherein the wirelesscharging assembly further comprises a first closure magnet and the basefurther comprises a second closure magnet, wherein when the wirelesscharging assembly is in the down position, the first closure magnet andthe second closure magnet position the wireless charging assembly in thepassage in the base.
 10. The wireless charger of claim 4 wherein thewireless charging assembly further comprises a first closure magnet andthe base further comprises a step, the step housing a second closuremagnet, wherein when the wireless charging assembly is in the downposition, the wireless charging assembly rests on the step, and thefirst closure magnet and the second closure magnet position the wirelesscharging assembly in the passage in the base.
 11. The wireless chargerof claim 4 wherein the wireless charging assembly further comprises acharging coil, the wireless charger further comprising: a wire toprovide power to the charging coil, wherein the wire is routed throughthe sleeve and a slot in the stem of the hinge, wherein the hingefurther comprises a cap over the slot in the stem of the hinge.
 12. Awireless charger for an electronic device, the wireless chargercomprising: a base having a passage, the passage defined by an innersidewall extending from a top surface of the base to a bottom surface ofthe base; a wireless charging assembly comprising: a housing includingan enclosure covered by a cap, the cap forming a charging surface; and amagnet array in the housing; a hinge comprising: a stem having a sleevewith a cylindrical opening at a first end, the stem further comprising ajoining portion having a first end attached to the sleeve and a secondend attached to the wireless charging assembly; a first support blockhaving a top surface attached to the base; a first cylindrical shafthaving a first end inserted into the opening at the first end of thesleeve and a second end supported by the first support block; and afirst wrapped spring having a first end attached to a bottom surface ofthe first support block, the first wrapped spring wrapped around thefirst cylindrical shaft.
 13. The wireless charger of claim 12 whereinthe sleeve further comprises a cylindrical opening at a second end,wherein the hinge further comprises: a second support block having a topsurface attached to the base; a second cylindrical shaft having a firstend inserted into the opening at the second end of the sleeve and asecond end supported by the second support block; and a second wrappedspring having a first end attached to a bottom surface of the secondsupport block, the second wrapped spring wrapped around the secondcylindrical shaft.
 14. The wireless charger of claim 13 wherein thefirst wrapped spring includes a tapered portion wherein the firstwrapped spring narrows towards a second end.
 15. The wireless charger ofclaim 14 wherein the wireless charging assembly is movable between downposition in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed within thepassage and an up position in which the wireless charging assemblyextends outside the base.
 16. The wireless charger of claim 15 whereinas the wireless charging assembly moves from the down position to the upposition, the first wrapped spring loosens around the first shaft and asthe wireless charging assembly moves from the up position to the downposition, the first wrapped spring tightens around the first shaft. 17.The wireless charger of claim 15 wherein the magnet array is movablewithin the wireless charging assembly to increase a magnetic attractionto a corresponding magnet array in the electronic device.
 18. Thewireless charger of claim 12 wherein the wireless charging assemblyfurther comprises a charging coil, the wireless charger furthercomprising: a wire to provide power to the charging coil, wherein thewire is routed through the sleeve and a slot in the stem of the hinge,wherein the hinge further comprises a cap over the slot in the stem ofthe hinge.
 19. A wireless charger for an electronic device, the wirelesscharger comprising: a base having a passage, the passage defined by aninner sidewall extending from a top surface of the base to a bottomsurface of the base; a wireless charging assembly comprising: a housingincluding an enclosure covered by a cap, the cap forming a chargingsurface; and a magnet array in the housing; a hinge comprising: a stemhaving a sleeve with a cylindrical opening at a first end, the stemfurther comprising a joining portion having a first end attached to thesleeve and a second end attached to the wireless charging assembly; afirst support block attached to the base and having a slot; a firstshaft having a first end inserted into the opening at the first end ofthe sleeve and a second end supported by the first support block, thefirst shaft including a plurality of lengthwise slots; and a firstplurality of bearings, each located in one of the slots in the firstshaft, wherein each bearing in the first plurality of bearings isbiased.
 20. The wireless charger of claim 19 wherein the wirelesscharging assembly further comprises a charging coil, the wirelesscharger further comprising: a wire to provide power to the chargingcoil, wherein the wire is routed through the sleeve and a slot in thestem of the hinge, wherein the hinge further comprises a cover over theslot in the stem of the hinge.